I got a Covid test today. ***don't panic***

[Crunchy Frog]

I and my whole household are completely vaccinated, and live in a fairly well vaccinated, low transmission area. We also don't go out much, even now.

Nevertheless, I've been noticing how lax people working in stores and restaurants are getting about mask wearing.

A few days ago we dined outdoors at a restaurant, pretty much the only ones there. Nevertheless, the staff were very lax about masking, and sometimes were getting right up in our faces.

Long story short, I developed a scratchy throat and runny nose, and decided to indulge my paranoia by partaking of a free and easy test at a nearby Walgreens. Went online to make an appointment.

I was the only one there. I went by the drive through window and handed over my driver's license and insurance card. I got passed a swab in its packaging and instructed in what to do. Handed it back when I was finished.

They told me I would get the results by the end of the day. Got the email within two hours, and was negative, of course.

Anyway, I'm glad that I went through with it, just to find out what the process is actually like, as well as for the piece of mind. Case numbers are currently very low in my state, but they are starting to go up.

Had to go a little out of my way for the faster testing, but not a big deal.

Just wanted to pass on my experience in case anyone was interested.

[mucifer]

1. Glad you are negative! Where I live some restaurants are requiring all employees be vaxxed and

they don't have to wear masks if they are.

[Crunchy Frog]

5. I haven't heard about anything like that here.

Must be nice to have that extra level of confidence.

It definitely makes me nervous to see strangers breathing on my food with masks hanging under chins, or no masks at all.

[Piasladic]

2. Glad you were negative

It must have sucked worrying. I'm a worrier too, so getting the test was definitely worth it!

[Crunchy Frog]

4. I'm a big worrier, but I'm glad that I was able to take care of it so quickly.

And I'm glad that I know how the system works now, because I'm sure there will be a next time, either for me, or for someone else in my household.

[dawg day]

3. I'm travelling next week to see family,

so I think I'll get a test beforehand.

That will just give me a bit more comfort before I get close to others.

The last time I got a test (last fall), it took 3 days to get the result, while other family members who got it same place same time got the results within an hour. I started to think there was something wrong.

[Laffy Kat]

6. Good for you.

You did the right thing. My son and I ran errands today and we kept noticing that we were the only ones wearing masks. Sure, we're vaccinated, but I don't get it. Why take a chance?

[Crunchy Frog]

9. Yeah. If I did happen to have it, I wouldn't want to be running around exposing other people,

no matter how mild my own symptoms.

It seemed like the socially responsible thing to do.

[MerryBlooms]

7. My allergies are horrendous this year. Add to it the smoke blowing in from the

southern fires, the place next to us has a pile of fiberglass insulation sitting in the driveway uncovered and so with the wind that's kicking up, I see all sorts of little fibers flying around when I'm out doing my yard work (calling management about that tomorrow). No fever or anything, just burning-watery eyes, scratchy throat, sneezing, a sore in my nose that is recurring, drainage, etc... I wear my mask out a lot, but I always end up taking it off because our temps have been in trip digits and it's just too much for me. I'm taking antihistamine, but it's just a bad year for me, probably because of the intense drought. I know the fire we had last year released a ton a mold and moss spores too, so that might be a contributing factor.

I'm so glad you tested negative. Maybe you developed an allergy to something? I hope you are feeling better soon.

[Crunchy Frog]

8. Yeah, I'm probably developing allergies.

I've never really had them before apart from sneezing.

I'm not really feeling bad. Just enough to get my paranoia worked up. Feeling much better just knowing I tested negative.

[MerryBlooms]

10. I'm glad your mind's at ease. Check your local pollen counts, maybe

there's a clue. Our ragweed is high, but as far as I know, I'm not sensitive, but our bodies go through changes. Hope it clears itself soon and it's not a nagging issue for you. Take care.

[BigmanPigman]

11. I am fully vaxxed but am on Day 4 of fever,

aches and chills. Since I don't have a cough, congestion, loss of smell and the stuff you mentioned I won't get a Covid test.

This same thing happened to me last August and I got a Covid test which was neg. I ALWAYS wear a real McCoy N95, go out once a week to the store, live alone, fully vaxxed, etc and I STILL had a very clever little virus or bacteria sneaking through my protection some how.

[Crunchy Frog]

12. That's what my mom had when she got Lyme.

Not to try to alarm you or anything.

[mucifer]

13. fever aches and chills could be a lot things.

[BigmanPigman]

15. My neighbor said that "something is going around".

[Crunchy Frog]

16. Summertime "flu" with no respiratory symptoms is a Lyme hallmark.

Not saying that's what it is, but it's definitely something to consider.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

14. I'm not at all surprised you tested negative.

[Crunchy Frog]

18. I would have been astounded if I had tested positive.

As I said in the OP, it was mostly indulging my paranoia, but I also figured it was a good way to get acquainted with the system, in case things start kicking up more here. Hopefully they won't.

[GulfCoast66]

17. In January I was as sick as I've ever been in my life.

My normal temperature is 97.4. I got to 103. It’s never been that high. Talked to my mother and even as a child when high fevers are common she does not remember any time I was above 100. She told me by the time I was a teen she considered it a blessing. Never knew that.

Chills, then awful fever and my whole body hurt. Sore throat headache. You get the idea. Stayed in bed 4 days except going to get covid tested, once at the hospital. I was concerned. I’m not that scared to die, gonna happen someday, but was worried as hell about the wife. She immediately moved to the other side of the house. She’s 60 and while healthy, and a runner/Walker has a history of walking pneumonia.

I just knew I had it. But no. Both test negative and the one at the hospital was the real reliable one. Still don’t know what I had. Flu was almost nonexistent here. While I have totally controlled hypertension my doctors note allowed me to skip the age line. Ironically I got it before the wife and she is 5 years older.

I got the jab as quick as possible! Knowing I would not get her sick was such a huge relief. I did not realize how much I had been worrying about that. I almost teared up when the soldier gave me the shot. That reaction surprised me. I’m not the crying type.