Why Some People’s Covid-19 Tests Hurt More Than Others

Why some people describe the sensation of a test as uncomfortable while others say it’s painful

Eleanor Cummins

Aug 4, 2020·5 min read

A health worker takes a nasal swab sample at a Covid-19 testing site at St. John’s Well Child and Family Center on July 24, 2020, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Valerie Macon/Getty Images

Millions of Americans have received Covid-19 tests since March — and countless more will likely experience the long wait at a testing site. While there are several tests for the virus on the market, the most…