PCR test - is it really as horrific as some posters are saying?

[Aridane]

I will shortly be having a PCR test on arrival at Funchal airport (Madeira). (Absolutely no problem with this and I welcome their prudent approach as a responsible approach to tourism).

What are posters’ experience on the PCR test? The posts I’ve seen seem to be at the extremes of the spectrum - is either horrific or “oh, I hardly felt it at all”.

I would assume it’s somewhere in the middle??

Uncomfortable but that's about it, don't worry!

It’s fine

It’s slightly uncomfortable for a moment. Definitely not horrific, it’ll be fine.

It's fine. I found the nostril part a little bit uncomfortable but it's over in seconds.

Sorry - what is PCR?

I did a home one on myself which was fine. I didn’t gag, which surprised me, and there was a slight sting/uncomfortableness up the nostril but absolutely fine.

Thank you 😊

@Noextremes2017

Sorry - what is PCR?

It is how the identify the DNA from the virus; polymerase chain reaction is a method of amplifying DNA for identification. It is the nasal/throat swab test.

It is uncomfortable and it may make your eyes water but not because of pain but because it is in an area you don't normally poke.

It’s really fine. I had it done while pregnant and feeling sick and it was still ok. Eyes watered , may gag a bit. That’s about all really.

It’s fine, I can’t have dentist xrays due to gagging but this was ok.

I've had 3 (negative) so far. All self administered.

The tonsil area swab does make me gag but it's over in ten seconds

I do worry that going from throat to nose could take some sort of throat bug (strep) and then introduce that to my sinuses but I'm not that up on if it's possible anatomy wise

DH almost gagged and then it was already over. It's uncomfortable for a very short period of time. He said afterwards that people who find it horrific probably never have been through anything. He compared their reactions to my SIL who will put a dramatic post on facebook when she has a simple blood test.

I think of it as going to the dentist and having some drilling done - I'm not a massive fan but it's necessary and has to be done. Yes the test is uncomfortable and triggers gag reflex but it's fine, quick and we'll all have more on fairly regular basis in the future. My experience is that once you have it done once, it's much less anxiety provoking the next time.

No problem at all, the back of the throat made me gag a little but it was over in a few seconds and the nose swab was nothing (I had my nose cauterised a few times as a child, it was literally nothing compared to that).

It's nothing like having your teeth drilled per a PP... It's a bit uncomfortable, but having self-administered I imagine it would be much easier when you have someone else do it who knows what they're doing.

And it's over in seconds.

Its mildy uncomfortable but quick

You might gag but thats about it. If you gag its hardly the end of the world.

It gave DD a nose bleed, she said it was horrible.

PCR = Polymerase Chain Reaction. That in itself isn't horrific and you won't be placed in a test tube!

OP are you travelling from the UK to Madeira? I looked at going but I thought it said you had to have proof of a negative test result from the last 72 hours on arrival. I've searched a million holidays so may be getting mixed up but will you have to quarantine until you get the results if they do it at the airport?

@Natsku - how old is your daughter?

DD gets it like once a fortnight for work. She says no biggie.

@Faraway20 - spot on with Madeira!

You get a free PCR test on arrival at the airport (though you can pay for your own before hand, as you say) and test results will be texted to you in a few hours. In the meantime you go to your accommodation, no need to hang round the airport.

If you are Covid free, enjoy your holiday. If not, you will need to quarantine. Depending on the nature of your accommodation, you may be able to quarantine there. If not, Madeira government will arrange alternative accommodation (and meals) while you quarantine.

Note the Madeira government has pledged free medical treatment and accommodation for tourists unfortunate enough to to get Covid there - though since Madeira has only had 128 cases and zero deaths, you are hopefully unlikely to have to call on it. Note also that any rescheduling of flights would be down to you (and not the Madeiran government)

[quote Aridane]@Natsku - how old is your daughter?[/quote]

1. So hopefully it won't be so bad for an adult, with bigger nasal passages I suppose.

That’s what I’m hoping, @Natsku

I had one on Thursday and it was fine for me, it felt strange more than anything.