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Coronavirus test is like 'being stabbed in the brain', woman says

Health & Science
 

Testing for coronavirus requires a special swab that reaches deeply into the nasal passage. [University of California]

With coronavirus cases around the world now in their millions, fears about the spread of the disease are now widespread.

In the UK, tests for Covid-19 are currently mostly being used only in hospitals, and are reserved for seriously ill patients.

The test involves a swab of the nose or throat, which is then sent off to a lab to look for signs of the virus’ genetic material.

Now, one woman has shared what getting the swab test is actually like, and claims it’s like ‘being stabbed in the brain'.

TikTok user @shelfboi has posted a video of her receiving a swab test, at one of the drive-thru testing stations in the US.

In the video, a swab can be seen being inserted deep into her nose, leading her to caption it: “Got tested lol. Felt like I was being stabbed in the brain.”

Her video comes shortly after a doctor in the US shared an image, showing just how far back the swab must go in a coronavirus test.

Dr Jessica Peck tweeted: “This is how far back we have to put the swab to test you for #COVID19. You might want to follow medical recommendations and #StayHome.”

One nurse replied, confirming that the test is pretty grim.

Nurse Angie “Daisy Diploma” replied: “I had it done yesterday. It’s that far back and in both nostrils. My eyes teared up, felt like I needed to sneeze and my nose got extremely runny.”

In the UK, tests are currently only being offered to those with severe symptoms, as well as doctors and nurses who have symptoms.

According to the Department of Health and Social Care, about 7,500 NHS workers and their family members have been tested.

However, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has confirmed that the government is aiming to carry out 100,000 tests a day in England by the end of April.

More than 7,000 people have now died with the virus in the UK with Prime Minister Boris Johnson among more than 60,000 confirmed positive cases, with the true figure likely to be much higher.

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