Can you get an exemption for a throat swab?

[Cheeseandlobster]

I am genuinely emetephobic and have anti emetics on prescription from my GP. I also have a choking phobia and even struggle with x rays at the dentist. For this reason I am terrified of the throat swab for covid.

I am desperate to go on holiday this year. I know its not essential but it is for my mental health. I have worked with vulnerable people throughout covid. My current caseload is 85 patients requiring regular support. When I close cases new ones are assigned. I need a break but I don't think being vaccinated is going to be enough. I know I can have a break in the UK or just stay at home, but this isnt what this thread is about so please dont reply with this.

So does anyone know if an exemption is possible? I am happy for a nasal swab but the throat one I just don't think I can do

Not sure what the actual rules are, but sometimes when performing a Covid swab at work (on a hospital ward) I just use the nostrils, for instance if someone has dementia or can't tolerate anything in the throat. I've never had a swab come back inconclusive using this method.

That's reassuring. I hope professionals in other countries will be the same. I am afraid that I will go away and they will send me home if I cant do the pcr swab in the throat on the 2nd day

Bizarrely I am also phobic with a fear of choking as well. I struggled more with the nose one!
The throat one I did myself and couldn't even feel it
I believe you can just have the nose one though

Not just me then @QueenPaw. Its not a nice phobia at all is it?

We do lateral flow tests for work and I cant even get near my tonsils

My autistic dd does nostrils only and has to test twice a week for school. This was advised by school and hasn’t been a problem.