On Friday, we had some old friends around for dinner. That night I had a slight sore throat, but thought I'd probably been talking too much.
On Saturday I went on a drive with my inlaws and their dog and at lunchtime I started to cough. Just one cough - but it set me on high alert.
Sunday saw me at the supermarket with my daughter. I took a scarf to cover my face - but all of a sudden I had a coughing fit in the cheese aisle.
Couldn't get out of there fast enough. Teenage daughter took control and managed the checkout process superbly.
When we got home I made an appointment online with my GP Mark for 8.45am on Monday. And this morning, after a bit of debate with my husband, I drove myself to the medical centre.
The protocol was that if you had COVID-like symptoms, you should wait in your car and call through to the medical centre. When I did exactly that, they were surprised that I was following their instructions. Maybe most of the population has relaxed at this point?
"Aw, good on ya for coming in," said Mark. Then we went through a little questionnaire and I explained that actually I wanted to be tested, because I have been quite a few places over the school holidays.
Slight snag - I couldn't physically cope with the nasal swab. I gripped the steering wheel with both hands, but when Mark said it was only halfway and I would need to hold it at the highest point for 15 seconds, I said 'stop'. Truly an unpleasant experience.
So we went for the throat swab instead which is apparently 95% effective, compared with the nasal swab. Had one swab on each side - relatively ok, or perhaps you can take anything after a nasal swab. I just don't know any more.
Then Mark said I could go about my day as I had a "low risk profile" so I drove myself home again, without having an accident.
And now I wait, thankful - in Wanaka at least - I should hear the same day. And relieved that if I need to, I can isolate myself effectively in our upstairs which is essentially a 1-bedroom apartment.
Fingers crossed...
UPDATE: When I took Sofia to the GP for something else the next day, I casually asked about my test results. The GP we were seeing said "Oh yes, that was negative." So I asked why I hadn't got a text and she said "Mark usually processes them all at the end of the day." Hmf. Still I was relieved - self-isolation doesn't sound like much fun.
On Saturday I went on a drive with my inlaws and their dog and at lunchtime I started to cough. Just one cough - but it set me on high alert.
Sunday saw me at the supermarket with my daughter. I took a scarf to cover my face - but all of a sudden I had a coughing fit in the cheese aisle.
Couldn't get out of there fast enough. Teenage daughter took control and managed the checkout process superbly.
When we got home I made an appointment online with my GP Mark for 8.45am on Monday. And this morning, after a bit of debate with my husband, I drove myself to the medical centre.
The protocol was that if you had COVID-like symptoms, you should wait in your car and call through to the medical centre. When I did exactly that, they were surprised that I was following their instructions. Maybe most of the population has relaxed at this point?
"Aw, good on ya for coming in," said Mark. Then we went through a little questionnaire and I explained that actually I wanted to be tested, because I have been quite a few places over the school holidays.
Slight snag - I couldn't physically cope with the nasal swab. I gripped the steering wheel with both hands, but when Mark said it was only halfway and I would need to hold it at the highest point for 15 seconds, I said 'stop'. Truly an unpleasant experience.
So we went for the throat swab instead which is apparently 95% effective, compared with the nasal swab. Had one swab on each side - relatively ok, or perhaps you can take anything after a nasal swab. I just don't know any more.
Then Mark said I could go about my day as I had a "low risk profile" so I drove myself home again, without having an accident.
And now I wait, thankful - in Wanaka at least - I should hear the same day. And relieved that if I need to, I can isolate myself effectively in our upstairs which is essentially a 1-bedroom apartment.
Fingers crossed...
UPDATE: When I took Sofia to the GP for something else the next day, I casually asked about my test results. The GP we were seeing said "Oh yes, that was negative." So I asked why I hadn't got a text and she said "Mark usually processes them all at the end of the day." Hmf. Still I was relieved - self-isolation doesn't sound like much fun.
