How I Conquered the COVID Test

We hear so much about preventing Covid-19, but a relatively small percentage of the population has ever actually taken a Covid test. What’s the experience like?

Every time that I tell someone that I have taken a Covid test, one of the first questions that they ask me is whether or not it hurts. With the outbreak of Covid-19, it has been a necessity for millions of people across the world to take Covid tests in order to keep themselves and others safe. The only issue with this is that many people avoid getting themselves tested due to a fear of the testing procedure.

FCHS sophomore Abril Diaz said she has not taken the test as she finds it to be “a bit scary looking, because the swab goes far into the nose and it looks like it hurts.” Another sophomore, Rebecca Williams, added that she feels like “it’s uncomfortable and painful while you are getting tested.”

But the reality is that getting a Covid test is nowhere near as bad as you might think. In fact, it’s really pretty simple.

There are several ways to take the test such as nasopharyngeal (nasal swab), oropharyngeal (throat swab), and an antibody test (which is a blood test that shows whether or not someone had previously contracted Covid). Covid tests can be taken at multiple locations such as a clinic, a drive-up location, and even at home with an at-home Covid testing kit.

When we thought I might have Covid, my parents signed me up to take a rapid test, meaning that I would get my results much quicker than if I were to get a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test, for which results can take a few days. I was very nervous to take it, as I had previously seen and heard about other people’s experiences with the test being very painful.

My experience began when I arrived at a Walgreens pharmacy for my scheduled drive-up appointment. I watched as, one by one, my family members all took their tests. The expressions on their faces as they took the test frightened me; they looked highly uncomfortable.

Soon it was my turn to take the test. All I had to do was insert a swab a third of an inch inside of my nostril and rotate it for fifteen seconds. Then I did the same for the other nostril, and placed the swab back into the bag that it came in.

I have to admit that doing this made my eyes water and it definitely was not the most pleasant thing to do, but surprisingly, it did not hurt at all. No more than 20 minutes later the results came back negative, and I felt extremely relieved.

Perhaps the pain level depends on the person, but to me, the test was painless and only uncomfortable. In the end, I realized that the test is absolutely nothing to be afraid of and is completely worth taking if you think you may have Covid or may have been exposed.

So if you’re facing the need to take a Covid test, here are some quick tips and advice:

• Even if you think the test may be uncomfortable, it is good to remember that it takes less than a minute and is over very quickly.
• Covid tests are available at locations in Charlottesville such as MedExpress clinics, Martha Jefferson Hospital, nearly every CVS pharmacy, and many other places. At this time, they are not generally available to all ages as priority is being given to the elderly, those with pre-existing health conditions which put them at risk for serious complications from Covid, and essential workers.
• The CVS Pharmacy in Fluvanna gives tests, but due to high demand they are limited and can take longer than the expected lab result period. Results at the Charlottesville MedExpress locations or at doctors offices are often back in as little as 2-3 days.

For information on how to get a Covid test locally, contact the Blue Ridge Health District by going to this link.