Seems that COVID-19 (coronavirus) testing is one of the best ways to combat this disease, as knowing where/who has this virus is a pretty good first step in trying to stop its spread.
I decided to go and get tested as a walk in clinic was offering tests in my area. I had some coughing and headaches for the past few weeks, normally it wouldn’t be anything I’d worry about, but the fact that COVID-19 is going around and with my family, I wanted to be safe and just get tested in case. I’m sure every testing site is different, but I wanted to share my experience. I sent a quick note to my internal medicine doctor to get some feedback on getting tested, and he did not have any concerns and suggested a walk in clinic near my home.
I made an online appointment for a COVID test via the website for the clinic. I had to provide the usual contact details and also my health insurance information submitted via photo (back and front of the card). I was able to get an appointment the next day. I am not in a COVID-19 hotspot. I suspect testing sites at hotspots are much different. Once that was done, I was confirmed and went down.
On the day of the appointment, I went down to the clinic. It was pretty empty. I checked in and shortly after, the nurse / staff got me from the waiting room that was spaced out for distancing. My temperature, weight, and BP was checked. I then got asked a series of questions by the staff. I told her my ongoing symptoms of a cold and occasional headaches. She asked me if I wanted to a PCR test (via the nose, YUCK!) and/or an antibody test. She suggested to get the antibody test first, and then depending on the results, get a PCR test. She said the clinic found the results of the antibody test to be accurate. So I went that route.
Antibody test came back….negative. So, we proceeded to the PCR test. She stuck a long swab into my nose with my head tilted back, just like all the photos on news sites, and it felt WEIRD. I thought it was over when she had to do the other nostril. YUCK x 2! It feels like getting water in your nose but worse. It’s not painful, though. Just a weird, not comfortable feeling. Once that was done, I was told they would call me in 2 days to let me know the results.
Two days passed, and I got called by the clinic, my doctor, and the lab! I was shocked how they ALL followed up with me.
The test result…negative. Honestly, I’m not sure what result would’ve been better. Seeing the mildy symptoms, I hoped I might have gotten COVID-19 and that’s it. My family being asymptomatic, but I guess it was not to be.
So I’m continuing to be careful, not saying I would’ve changed my behavior, but there would be some relief knowing I have some resistance to the disease post-COVID-19.
Be safe, wear a mask, distance and stay home when you feel ill!