To anyone else.. Just how bad does this hurt you?
I'm flying soon and have to take one before I leave and then on a layover in the US before final destination.
Think it depends in part on the operator and type of swab / test.
For me, it is more discomfort than pain. The good thing every time is that it is much quicker than you imagine it will be while sitting in the chair and fearing the worst waiting for the insertions. Over before you can really process what just happened.
The one in Brazil was a total non-event, like a slight tickle and pressure sensation just inside the nose.
The tests here far more uncomfortable due to the depth/ length of the swabs, the closest it can be described as is a gagging and pressure sensation, with a slight burning sensation afterwards that lingers a while. There is no sugar coating its unpleasantness but it is not painful in comparison to say many dental procedures which leave you aching afterwards.
If they do a throat swab as well then it is like any other throat swab that most people have probably had at some point in their life. It’s the most “pleasant” of the two and definitely not painful, just strange feeling.
If given the choice would rather do a saliva test but in saying that the nose swab is not
so bad that I would avoid traveling to avoid having it done.
Hope the level of detail helps you know what could be expected and to feel more comfortable.
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