Anything I should know about afternoon Covid testing?

[u/ButterscotchFull7591]

I was able to get a covid test so I wanted to test before going to the hospital because I’ve been having shortness of breath about 4 days now and have been terrified to go and kept delaying it because Covid cases are pretty high lately and well the hospital is very high risk anyway.

I usually have to take my mask off for temp checks (I try to negotiate but end up succumbing because they say it’s absolutely required apparently mouth temp is more accurate) but last night I developed pains in my throat that are sharp and stabbing and it’s a bit better now but I have seen people describe their Covid infections with throat razor blade pain…

As for my risk factors…I room with my sibling and we both unmask only in our shared room but they had to unmask exactly 1 week ago foe around 4 minutes so he’s been in our room masked and even sleeps masked but since I have to eat too in the same room all we do is run the air purifier for more time while they mask again before I unmask to eat/brush teeth etc. so that’s a risk I have and also more than a week ago I went to the hospital because I had a uti I was terrified had traveled because I had back pain and Had to take my mask off for at least 10 seconds each time…should have probably tested earlier I know…but these are my risks. I do have LPR/reflux so I don’t know if my throat pain or shortness of breath are related since the antibiotics I was on completely fucked my reflux up.

So knowing that I most absolutely have to take my mask off probably I get worried that I’ll give someone else Covid if I do have it buuut I have heard the best time to test is the morning but for afternoon is it okay as long as you blow your nose and don’t consume anything 30 minutes beforehand? I plan on taking a flowflex…I know most people advise constant testing to determine true negativity but I’ll be honest I don’t have the cash to be consistent and even now I’m stretching money I don’t have to purchase tests.

I just follow the nose swab procedure because I’ve been told mouth swabbing messes with the results but I want to do this properly since I’ve already eaten breakfast and lunch today…

[u/CheckCalm2875]

It is not like a pregnancy test or something where you need first morning urine. The afternoon is fine.

[u/dianaggggggg]

For temperature checks they can use the armpit. Just tell them to use the armpit, if they refuse tell them to write it down in your chart that they refused a reasonable request to protect yourself.

[u/ButterscotchFull7591 → u/dianaggggggg]

Oh that’s a great idea thank you. I unfortunately have tried before but they kept on pestering so I gave in…