Yes, it's a basic neurological function ( should be present, shows that if something is present you should be able to swallow it properly down your esophagus....the brain is getting the message there is something at the back of your throat and responds)and for me it was part of a swallowing assessment to see what's safe for me to eat without aspirating into my lungs...sometimes it's better to have thickened fluids, solids or if you can only tolerate liquids, they need to decide on another way to get nutrients into you. I'm not sure of a better way to explain it. It's not fun, but not painful and takes a second to check.

I would get that looked into, it may just be weak. Eating and drinking are very difficult. Without a reflex and it shows a neurological problem.

Something must be going on with me. I have no gag reflex now

No. What is reason for this?