Is the PCR test a Soul-Killer?

As I did work in a healthcare facility until a few months ago I have seen first-hand the immediate reactions to nasal swab tests.  Some people’s noses bleed, others’ eyes water, some have blurred vision for a short time after being tested.

My personal experience:

I was tested twice, although the first time it didn’t exactly work out.  I was to go to the local testing centre due to an outbreak at my work, at the time it was mostly throat swabs being used.  I almost threw up when they stuck the swab down my throat and I reflexively jumped out of the chair, the two nurses were shocked and called for security.  I had to calm them down and explain that I had no ill intent and the swab had caused a reaction.  They told me that they actually needed to push the swab further down my throat, and since there was no way it was happening I was sent home.

A couple days later a public health team showed up at my work to test everyone, I explained my issue with the throat swab and they told me they would do a nasal swab instead and be extra gentle.  It still felt absolutely horrible and I would never wilingly do it again, but I later found out that normally they are require to twist the swab around inside your nasal cavity, which they did not do to me.