First Swab Test Experience
I certainly did not expect myself to fall sick during this pandemic,
as ever since I had a bad experience of dealing with a fractured hand and
shingles about 2 years back, which left me out of action for quite a while.
Perhaps, I had caught the flu bug due to the recent cold
spell or due to the lack of rest. When I reached home from work on Thursday, I
felt my nose being blocked and my throat felt strange. I thought I could sleep
it away, but it got worse on Friday, the day I took leave to attend a work webinar.
I dragged myself to the clinic, knowing that I will be sent for swab test. My
regular doctor had a special outdoor area for patients who visited him for flu
symptoms. Upon his assessment, he arranged for me a swab test at Ang Mo Kio. As
he is a PDPC doctor, I only paid $10 for the consultation and medication. I was
issued with a MC for 3 days, which also states that I am required to stay home
during the course of the MC or when my COVID-19 swab test result is negative.
I took Grab to the screening centre and was escorted by
volunteers to a room to be swabbed. The nurse explained to me how the swab test
was to be done and I was asked to clear my nose of mucus with tissue paper as she
said that if the swab stick is filled with mucus, the test would need to be
done again. After that, a stick was inserted to each of the nostrils to extract
out the excretions. Although the process is not painful, I certainly would not
want to be subjected to such treatment where possible.
In fact, I was glad that my result was negative when I
received the message on my phone when I woke up today. I am thankful to all my
friends for their concern.
I had activities planned during this weekend but due to my
illness, I had to postpone my gatherings with them. Like what my doctor said,
please be socially responsible, stay home when you are not well. I am thankful
for my friends’ understanding. I was also supposed to receive my Gold Service
Award from SGO today in person at SGO. I certainly did not expect Isabella to
come by my place to hand the award and care pack to me in person, despite the
heavy rain.
The flu season is here, please do take care of yourselves
and get the flu vaccination done.
Comments