Published on 12, July, 2020
Soo..... I've just rang 119 to try find out the best option for me, as I've started displaying symptoms of covid today. I can't have anything go to the back of my throat, let alone for the 15 seconds it takes for them to take the sample.
119 referred me to my GP as they're unable to advise of best practice for someone with ASD. I can't get through on the phone and directed to book an appointment online. No appointments available until 28th.
What has other people's experiences been like getting a test? Or is it just a case of assuming I have it and hoping work don't demand me to come in because I haven't got a positive test result.
Or is there a nasal version of PCR test that the person I spoke to on 119 wasn't aware of?
At the Covid testing sites here they pass the swab through your car window and you do it yourself. Tonsils first and then up one nostril. We did have some lateral flow tests at work that were just nasal swabs. They make me sneeze really badly so I usually direct it onto the swab especially if I haven’t been able to do it for long enough. If you have a runny nose rather than just a cough then just using it nasally should be sufficient to pick up enough virus
Also as an addition I am quite sure your GP will not want you anywhere near the surgery with Covid symptoms so I’m not sure what 119 are expecting them to do exactly