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??

Also you can get a drive through test here for free before you go so you don't have to quarantine on arrival. We did this as preferred to travel knowing we wouldn't have to quarantine and it was very straightforward.

I don’t mind taking the PCR test on arrival as the quarantine whole waiting for results at the accommodation later that day will be fine - spacious apartment with balcony and owners are getting me some provisions from the local farmers market. And hopefully I won’t not be asymptomatic or pre symptomatic Covid positive

Oh - meant to mention that I don’t have a car for the drive through test

Just coming back to update this thread.

I had my PCR test yesterday..

It was fine - yes, not very pleasant but over very quickly.

A long cotton bud thingie was placed up each each nostril and twirled. It made my eyes water and me cough. And the one at the back of my throat gave me gagging noises. I was a bit embarrassed but the tester was lovely and said it’s quite Normal to cough etc but, if I were to have one again, to try to breathe and not hold my breath throughout

I am glad it was ok OP.

I gagged a bit on the throat part too, they said that happens a fair bit. The nose part I found really quite painful in one nostril but ok in the other. I had been using a nasal spray in the one that was saw and the nurse said something about the nasal passages being very open or something along those lines. But the pain was gone after a few minutes. It wasn't pleasant but definitely better than a smear!

Saw? Sore