Why I Refused a Covid Test For My Son

I’M PISSED and that’s putting it lightly. HEAR ME OUT! This will be a long one…

I wasn’t going to share my experience, but NOW it has personally affected me and my family in more than one way (potentially life threatening). I’m not sure where this whole Covid situation started spiraling out of control, but as a society we need to gain control if we are really serious about ending this virus once and for all.

The Back Story:

We had to make an UNWANTED Walk-in visit due to my older son having a severe ear ache after swimming most of the day. He isn’t one to complain, unless it’s pretty serious. So when he wouldn’t stop crying for over two hours, I made the dreaded decision to take him in. It was our only option as it was a Sunday afternoon.

Once we walked through the first set of doors, we were greeted with temperature checks and a thousand Covid questions. After answering NO to the 999 of them, she had then asked if he had a sore throat. He simply stated that yes his throat does hurt, but only when the sharp pain shoots into his ear. His throat pain was clearly coming from his ear and I told her that he hasn’t complained one bit of an actual sore throat.

At first she wasn’t sure which way to send us? Apparently there are now two different areas, one for potential Covid patients to get tested and the other for regular sickness check-ups. I once again assured her we were just dealing with a possible ear infection or swimmers ear, but my words didn’t mean anything. She RED stickered us and directed us to the Covid area. My mommy instinct was telling me to walk right back out the door I came in. She was making a HUGE mistake and I was allowing someone that had no clue to potentially put our health in harms way.

When we got to the Covid area, the lady checking us in was about to direct us back to the regular check up area. I felt, for a moment, some relief, but that quickly changed once she saw that check mark next to sore throat. I once again voiced my concerns about being in an area of which could potentially expose us to the Covid virus just to get an ear checked. She said “well let’s hope not, you need to knock on some wood.” -She actually knocked on wood! WAIT WHAT? I told her that this is a serious virus, not a superstition and we are in the wrong area.

I wasn’t trying to be difficult, I just have to look out for what is best for my family and this was NOT AT ALL the right way to handle a simple ear ache. Also, I remember saying to the front desk woman “I hope they don’t test him for Covid because it isn’t necessary.” My mommy intuition knew what was about to happen before it even happened.

Thankfully the area wasn’t too busy, but there was still some very sick people getting tested for Covid. Seeing this made my anxiety go through the roof and my anger elevate. Once we got into the room the nurse checked my son’s vitals-everything checked out fine. Then the doctor came in to check him out. However, she didn’t check what we actually came in for, his ear. She checked his throat, then his nose.

She made a huge deal about how swollen and red his nose was and that we are dealing with an upper respiratory infection. Wait… “What about his ear.” She quickly scanned it and said “Yes it’s an upper respiratory infection.” We’ll give him a round of antiobtics, but since we can’t determine a viral infection from another viral infection we need to also test for Covid. My mamma heart sank hearing the words I dreaded most walking into this area to get my son checked. I knew I should have left right when things got uncomfortable

I assured her that a test wasn’t necessary, as he has ZERO Covid symptoms. I’m not sure the purpose to test if there really isn’t a reason. She strongly came at me with how it was in the best interest of the community, doctors would be able to act more swiftly with care and that children are the super spreaders of this virus, so it would be nice to know if he has it.

My son needs a test to help the community? What about them potentially exposing my family to Covid being in this area for a simple ear ache? What about us? Act more swiftly? So you won’t unless I get a test? Children are the super spreaders? There isn’t any scientific evidence showing that children are the ultimate spreaders of this virus. SOOOO many WTF’s were popping into my head as this “Doctor” rambled off a bunch of garbage.

Needless to say, I refused the Covid test for my son. They, the nurse and the doctor, were not happy with my decision and it was made clear that my refusal of the test would be noted in our records. That was the moment I felt shame for my decision. Was I making the wrong decision? I was so confused, angry, and anxious that I had to call my husband to confirm with him my refusal of the test. He confirmed it wasn’t needed and to get out ASAP. I’ve been mom shamed numerous times, but never from healthcare professionals.

This whole situation was wrong on so many levels:

1) Potentially exposing us to Covid for severe ear pain (this isn’t a symptom of Covid)

2) Possible false diagnosis just to get us to test-leading to a antibiotic script which isn’t the greatest for kids unless it’s really needed. (She didn’t look at his ear until I told her to and still she already had a upper respiratory diagnosis resulting in a Covid test). We have decided NOT to give him the antibiotics as we are NOT sure they are really even needed.

3) Taking away a test for someone that really needs a test. I’ve heard so many be denied testing with many symptoms in my area.

4) Mom shamed for refusing to test my child. This was the absolute worse. This whole situation has been hard on me as a mother. I didn’t need the added stress and shame as I am trying my absolute best given the circumstances.

Final Thoughts:

NOT EVERY sickness is Covid. We need to stop making it as such. This approach is making it more unsafe and is probably one of the reason for the continuous spread.

Make sure to check out my Instagram Video sharing real raw mamma emotions about this experience.

Please share to help other mamma’s be more aware of these potential situations they could face, just for a simple walk-in visit.