What other swab tests are available that are not nearly as invasive as the nostril swab?
Are there other Covid19 swab test methods apart from the nose swab that caused so much discomfort?
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I wouldn’t say it’s painful, but it definitely can and is uncomfortable. Depending on how they do it (it can be one nostril for 10 seconds, or both nostrils for 5 seconds), it can be uncomfortable. They take a swab, stick it through your nose, and swab the posterior, or back surface, of your throat. If you have a sense of smell, depending on how sensitive it is, it becomes even more uncomfortable. But let’s say you actually have COVID-19, or are suffering from congested sinuses due to allergies, and lost your sense of smell for the time being, then it’s not as bad. Some people sneeze or cough afterwards because of the stimulation, but it goes pretty quick.
It doesn’t hurt but it does cause mild to medium level discomfort – depending on factors like your endurance, how skilled the person is, etc.
For the nose swab the medium level discomfort would feel similar to the sensation of accidentally snorting water and it hits the brain (or so it feels). Your eyes water and all. But you’re fine within a few minutes. For throat swab it feels like someone is scratching the end of your throat with a finger nail, thus makes you cough but again doesn’t hurt. I have gotten the test done 5 times now in different cities and laboratories and I am the one who winces in pain every time I get an injection or my eyebrows plucked.