For Jamuna (not her real name), getting an RT-PCR test for Covid-19 was nerve-wracking but necessary. Her daughter had come home from daycare with a runny nose and a cold, and the little girl coughed right onto her, as toddlers tend to do.
Jamuna eventually developed mild symptoms but, by that point, she had started going back to her office and was worried about passing it on if it was indeed Covid.
Knowing a test would be easier on her than her one-year-old, she booked a telehealth appointment with her GP and was asked to come to their drive-through testing clinic.
She learnt that the RT-PCR test remains the most accurate, but the disadvantage is that it takes a longer time to get the results compared with antigen rapid (RTK-Ag) tests.
She was nervous because her brother and his family had had the test, and she knew what it entailed. She had heard horror stories about this long, horrible stick that went up people’s noses.
Indeed, the standard test involves collecting nasal and throat swabs, and/or sputum. The nurse will place a swab on a thin stick in the back of the throat and 2-3cm up into the nose. These samples are sent to a laboratory for testing.
As it turned out, the test wasn’t really a big deal, and the experience was quick and not really painful. The peace of mind that came with her negative result was worth the slight discomfort of the test.
Testing is important because it helps people who have Covid-19 to get treatment and take the necessary steps to stop the spread of the virus. They can isolate and use contact tracing to inform others to get tested, too.
Anyone who has Covid-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, should get tested immediately. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting or nausea, and loss of smell or taste.
It doesn’t matter if you have just one of these symptoms or more, or whether you feel really sick or just a little unwell. Contact your doctor immediately, and let them know ahead of time so they are prepared for your visit.
Covid testing for children
The RT-PCR test is done the same way for both children and adults. Having a child tested doesn’t need to be traumatic; one can help them feel calm by explaining what’s going to happen and why.
Let them know that the staff will be wearing gowns, gloves and masks to keep everyone healthy. Tell them that the nurse will put a little stick with a soft end into their nose and mouth, and that it won’t hurt but might feel funny.
How a child reacts before and during the test is influenced by the adult accompanying them. If one is really nervous, children will pick up on that. Take some deep breaths together before going in, and schedule a fun reward after the test.
If the result is positive, the health unit will advise on the next steps, which will include updating MySejahtera, self-quarantine and medication. If it is negative, the clinic will let you know, too, and you and your little one can both breathe a little easier, figuratively and literally.
TELEME Healing Life Stories is a collection of inspirational stories of how ordinary people triumph over their health conditions and recover to lead a healthier life. Email [email protected] to share your story.
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