Merrifield Resident Shares COVID-19 Test Experience

Editor’s note: What’s it like getting tested for COVID-19? In an unscientific poll, 12 respondents told Tysons Reporter they were tested and had gotten results, while two said they were waiting for results. Meanwhile, 55 respondents said they plan to get tested. 

We recently asked people living in Tysons, Merrifield, Falls Church, McLean and Vienna to share what their COVID-19 testing experiences were like. Matthew H., a Merrifield resident, shared the following story. It’s been lightly condensed and edited.  

In mid-March, I visited the Inova Primary Care in Dunn Loring (2671 Avenir Place) with fever, chills, headache, coughing and shortness of breath. I am in my mid-30s with no preexisting conditions.

I was sent home and asked to quarantine for two weeks, but was not tested due to tests not being available, the fact I hadn’t been overseas and that my fever was low grade.

My cough persisted and I finally got a COVID test [the week of April 19] at the Inova Urgent Care facility in Tysons off Route 7.

I had to call to confirm my appointment three times and was surprised to hear that they did not want to schedule me after 4 p.m. — they are open until 8 p.m. — because there were no other tests scheduled and they were trying to “reduce the use of PPE and group tests together.”

I urged them to take me and they agreed.

I was instructed to call again when I parked, they then instructed me to “pull around back next to the dumpster.” I waited 35 minutes and called again. Finally a man opened the back door and held out his finger to acknowledge me.

Five minutes later, a man stayed at the door with a bag and the nurse came out to give the test. I was frustrated by the process but chose to not complain as I cannot imagine the stress the health care workers are facing now.

The test itself is not pleasant.  It is like a flu swab but much deeper. After swabbing both nostrils they told me I would receive the test results in a few days.

My test came back negative but my doctor believes that I likely just got the test too late. I am still having respiratory issues and I can only imagine how difficult this experience would be for someone with more serious health conditions or advanced age.

Have you been tested and want to share your experience? Email us at [email protected].