A quick swab in the nose and throat makes a COVID-19 test straightforward. It seems simple—and it is—but comfortable? Not always. As health experts at Santé magazine, our editors share their real firsthand accounts.
Editor-in-chief Lynn: "With two young children at home, colds spread fast. I've had two tests—one in September and another last week. Stories ranged from 'over in 20 seconds' to 'pure horror.' Mine fell in between. I dread anything that triggers gagging, so the throat swab wasn't fun. Both times, the tester had to go down my throat four times because I kept recoiling. The nose swab tingled, and the first time I wondered if it was reaching my brain. Not pleasant, but necessary. (Thankfully, both negative.)"
Online editor Chantal: "My first COVID-19 test? Not nice. A colleague suggested yawning during the throat swab—it helped a bit. But when the tester said 'say aaaa,' I gagged right away. I controlled it quickly, then it was the nose's turn. That swab went deep, bringing tears to my eyes. Bonus: my stuffy nose cleared up instantly. Now awaiting results…"
Editor-in-chief Annalot: "A few weeks ago, a sudden sore throat and headache left me wiped out. Not severely ill, but I needed to know if I'd cancel appointments. No car meant biking across town to the test site—tough when unwell. At the large testing street, the professional explained everything calmly: 'Pretend you're yawning' to ease the throat swab. It worked after initial gagging. The nose was manageable. Results in 24 hours: negative, a huge relief. Symptoms faded soon after."
