COVID-19

[Slim]

It's a matter for the political section really. But briefly, as I think I mentioned a few weeks ago, I suspect that the government doesn't want Boris' opinion about Rishi to become public knowledge. You might think that Baroness Hallett can be trusted to be discreet, but inevitably someone in our Fifth Column Civil Service will leak them.

[Fishy]

Wife tested positive mid week.. I tested positive today although felt a bit grim last couple of days.. wonder what variant were onto now

[David L]

Wife tested positive mid week.. I tested positive today although felt a bit grim last couple of days.. wonder what variant were onto now

The one that the vaccine is ineffective against?

[Slim]

Wife tested positive mid week.. I tested positive today although felt a bit grim last couple of days.. wonder what variant were onto now

The one that the vaccine is ineffective against?

Interesting question, it seems that an Omicron subvariant called "Arcturus" is doing the rounds at the moment.

Some useful info here:

https://www.bmj.com/content/381/bmj.p1074


Do current covid vaccines protect against XBB.1.16?

It's too early to say definitively because no data are available on vaccine efficacy against XBB.1.16 yet. Studies6 have found that the neutralising properties of vaccine induced antibody responses against the closely related XBB and XBB.1 were significantly poorer than against other variants. In India over 70% of the population has had a booster dose.

Hybrid immunity in those who have been both vaccinated and previously infected with XBB.1.5 should offer stronger protection. Given the dominance of omicron and XBB.1.5 in many countries today, such immunity is likely to cover most individuals.

Is XBB.1.16 a cause for concern?

On the whole no, at least not at the moment for those who have been vaccinated (as with any form of covid, the risk is still severe for the unvaccinated).

On the one hand, it is showing signs of stronger growth, hence its advantage over other variants in circulation. But this has not so far caused more severe disease.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has XBB 1.16 as a "variant under monitoring," its third level (under variant of concern and variant of interest). So do WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Balloux says that in places that didn't have an XBB.1.5 wave (for example, India or China), XBB.1.16 is expected to "do well." "Conversely, in places like the UK, it is not expected to have much of an impact on case numbers, and even less so on hospitalisations and deaths," he says. "XBB.1.16 is still at low frequency here in the UK, but it may become the next dominant variant in the future."

[The Picnic Wasp]

Man...I was just beginning to become more confident whilst out shopping and as I don't work any longer that's when I mingle most with the human race. I've noticed more young people wearing masks again which makes me wonder if they had tested positive. Responsible behaviour if so but probably not much protection for others in reality. I hope you and your wife feel better soon, Fishy. This has a bit of a "here we go again" feel to it. Roll on the next jab.

[David L]

" Do current covid vaccines protect against XBB.1.16?

Studies6 have found that the neutralising properties of vaccine induced antibody responses against the closely related XBB and XBB.1 were significantly poorer than against other variants."

 

Hybrid immunity in those who have been both vaccinated and previously infected with XBB.1.5 should offer stronger protection."

 

"Is XBB.1.16 a cause for concern?

On the whole no, at least not at the moment for those who have been vaccinated (as with any form of covid, the risk is still severe for the unvaccinated)."

 

Not sure that is useful tbh

[Slim]

I don't understand your amusement about these points of information? And I can't imagine why a reasonable person wouldn't consider them to be useful.

[David L]

" Do current covid vaccines protect against XBB.1.16?

Studies6 have found that the neutralising properties of vaccine induced antibody responses against the closely related XBB and XBB.1 were significantly poorer than against other variants."

Ergo: (probably) Not much
"Hybrid immunity in those who have been both vaccinated and previously infected with XBB.1.5 should offer stronger protection."

Of course, you're better protected from natural immunity

"Is XBB.1.16 a cause for concern?

"On the whole no, at least not at the moment for those who have been vaccinated

Contradicts earlier statement

(as with any form of covid, the risk is still severe for the unvaccinated)."

I doubt that statement would stand up to any evidence (certainly requires caveat)


Of course that perspective is from one who is "thick and gullible" so should possibly be dismissed
😉

I feel sorry for you Mr Wasp, to be left with that level of anxiety is no laughing matter. Can I kindly suggest you seek some professional help.. This could last for years

[Fishy]

Man...I was just beginning to become more confident whilst out shopping and as I don't work any longer that's when I mingle most with the human race. I've noticed more young people wearing masks again which makes me wonder if they had tested positive. Responsible behaviour if so but probably not much protection for others in reality. I hope you and your wife feel better soon, Fishy. This has a bit of a "here we go again" feel to it. Roll on the next jab.

Wife had one hell of a cough for a couple of days.. felt awful although this is the first time she's had it.. recovering now..
This is second time for me .. bit of a cough more congested than anything really.. hopefully I'm over the worst..
Have to say we didn't really do the isolating thing at home .. not that we've been out anywhere so it was odds on I would get it... anyway immune systems boosted for the autumn/ winter hopefully

[The Picnic Wasp]

Makes you wonder though. Some pi$$ed off scientist in some faraway land, drink and gambling problem, wife and kids have left him, about to be arrested due to debt issues, deliberately infects himself with some monstrous developing strain and ta ta  mankind. As long as it's other species friendly I suppose.

[David L]

Makes you wonder though. Some pi$$ed off scientist in some faraway land, drink and gambling problem, wife and kids have left him, about to be arrested due to debt issues, deliberately infects himself with some monstrous developing strain and ta ta  mankind. As long as it's other species friendly I suppose.

You'd have to have a word with the US and tell them to stop funding Gain of Function work in far away labs with poor bio-security to help in that regard, I guess

[Slim]

Of course that perspective is from one who is "thick and gullible" so should possibly be dismissed
😉

It's the perspective of someone who hasn't actually substantiated their assertions, at least one of which is demonstrably wrong, and should definitely (not probably) be dismissed, yes.

[David L]

Of course that perspective is from one who is "thick and gullible" so should possibly be dismissed
😉

It's the perspective of someone who hasn't actually substantiated their assertions, at least one of which is demonstrably wrong, and should definitely (not probably) be dismissed, yes.

which one is "demonstrably wrong"? I'd like the opportunity to correct it

[Slim]

"Contradicts earlier statement", but don't bother.

[David L]

"Contradicts earlier statement", but don't bother.

Vaccines "significantly" less effective against variants "closely related to" XBB1.16 but you should not be concerned by XBB1.16 if you've "been vaccinated"



Help a thickie out here