New XEC Covid variant starting to spread

[Blaze]

It seems that yet another variant has emerged.
"People have started catching a new Covid variant that could soon take off and become the dominant type, according to scientists.
Identified in Germany, in June, cases of the XEC variant have since emerged in the UK, US, Denmark and several other countries...." (BBC)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1jddenj5p5o

Covid, in whatever form, isn't going to go away - we know people round here who've tested positive this summer.
It seems to affect everyone differently, with some people being asymptomatic while others appear to have long term after effects such as a persistent cough.
I never understood why I didn't get Covid when OH did last year - or perhaps I did but was asymptomatic (I didn't test myself).

We will probably get ourselves vaccinated this autumn/winter if offered as we're both at risk from more severe symptoms. We lead a gregarious life and our activities mean we are in contact with people both inside and outside. We don't want to feel we have to cut ourselves off for self-protection and so far, we have been fortunate that neither of us has had any reaction to the vaccines on offer.

[Hotrodder]

I just received an email from a friend on Plague Island who was due to come over for a visit next week. All cancelled. Covid strikes again.

[Blaze]

Plague Island

? ? ?

[niemeyjt]

He means Poveglia.

[niemeyjt]

Does anyone know if the old PCR tests - the ones with the two red lines - work for new variant? I am assuming that they do.

[Blaze]

@niemeyjt It should do because XEC is an Omicron variant - but best to ask your doc or the pharmacy.

[demi]

I had covid again, at the end of July. Not badly, I was fine after a couple of days & tested negative after 6 days. But I had to put off a visit from an old friend from Spain as she is vulnerable. Such a shame as I haven't seen her for 5/6 years.

[exile]

I assume you get a test kit by asking at the pharmacy. I have never seen them out on the shelves since we had to pay for them.

[demi]

Yes, exile.

[Hotrodder]

How do you do the test? If its an "up the nose" effort I'll give it a miss.
Very prone to heavy nose bleeds for very little provocation.