COVID-19/Coronavirus Information and Support Thread (see OP for useful links)

[Touring Mars]

My sister got a booster this week on account of her turning 50 last week, and hence she is now eligible for COVID booster shots - unlike us 47 year olds who are not eligible.

I'm increasingly convinced that my bout of illness a couple of weeks ago likely was COVID, just that I wasn't infectious and hence repeatedly tested negative on LFTs. I've seen a lot of people - including virologists and other reliable COVID commentators on Twitter - mentioning feeling like they have another bout of COVID but are not testing positive. The most sensible explanation for that is that the virus is replicating but most of the virus particles are getting completely swamped with antibodies, leading to LFT test failure. Of course, it doesn't help that PCR tests are no longer available either.

I've also been experiencing some pretty unusual (for me) symptoms too, namely I'm sweating much more than I used to - even my regular 20 minute walk to work (which I've done practically every day for 20 years) leaves my back and even the front of my chest damp with sweat. My pits - which I've never had much problem with before - have been pretty 'fragrant' lately too, but at least it proves I've never lost my sense of smell.

Also, my anxiety levels have gone through the roof - and this is in spite of my job etc. going well, so there's no real reason for it. I also had a few tell-tale symptoms such as muscle spasms which happened alot when I was positive for COVID, and that's normally a very rare thing for me.

 

[Joey D]

I've also been experiencing some pretty unusual (for me) symptoms too, namely I'm sweating much more than I used to - even my regular 20 minute walk to work (which I've done practically every day for 20 years) leaves my back and even the front of my chest damp with sweat. My pits - which I've never had much problem with before - have been pretty 'fragrant' lately too, but at least it proves I've never lost my sense of smell.

Ever since having COVID, I sweat something awful, like soaking my shirt kind of sweating. A couple of weeks ago when I was picking grapes in my parent's vineyard on a 50F day, I got so sweaty I had to have my wife peel my t-shirt off. It wasn't strenuous work nor was it hot out, but just doing some normal activity left me absolutely swamped. My jeans even looked like I spilled water on them and my hair looked like I just got out of the shower. It was really gross and major sweating was never really a thing for me. Now a shower is required after even the easiest amount of activity and I find myself taking two a day for the most part.

It's wild how much COVID can change your body. I'm only now starting to remember things without much of an issue and I no longer have hands that shake so bad I can't pour a jug of iced tea. Hopefully, your lingering symptoms don't linger that much.

As for the testing part, I think you're right on that too. My mother in law clearly had COVID symptoms two weeks ago but tested negative in three at home tests. We finally convinced her last week to go to urgent care to get tested since she couldn't walk up the stairs without running out of breath and it came back positive. I really question the accuracy of at home tests and won't even use them. I'd much rather just go to a testing site and get a proper test done to confirm whether or not I have COVID. I know they're not 100%, but their accuracy rate is better than those little plastic things that cost $29.99 at Walgreens.

 

[Touring Mars]

I reckon that COVID was so prevalent during the Omicron phase that you were virtually guaranteed to get it unless you were taking extreme measures to avoid it, but fortunately the most vulnerable in the community have been vaccinated and boosted to the hilt and hence it's likely that even my vulnerable parents have come into contact with COVID multiple times themselves but have never had any symptoms.

I came into work just now and it is just as well I booked a private office today (as there was no room left in the main office where I normally would sit) because I am dripping with sweat... it's embarrassing... my shirt is soaked and has a massive V-shaped sweat stain right down the front, I'll need to put a coat on just to go to the bathroom.

 

[TJ13]

The new updated covid boosters may not be any better than the original one vaccine.
Study shows (even though it's very small and not peer reviewed yet) is showing that the updated one offers the same immunity response but still shows up with mild symptoms if you do get it.

Updated Covid-19 vaccines boost protection, but may not beat original formula against BA.4 and BA.5, early studies suggest | CNN

The updated Covid-19 booster shots appear to work about as well against the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants as the original boosters they replaced, according to two new studies from research teams at Harvard and Columbia universities.

www.cnn.com

 

[Joey D]

The new updated covid boosters may not be any better than the original one vaccine.
Study shows (even though it's very small and not peer reviewed yet) is showing that the updated one offers the same immunity response but still shows up with mild symptoms if you do get it.

Updated Covid-19 vaccines boost protection, but may not beat original formula against BA.4 and BA.5, early studies suggest | CNN

The updated Covid-19 booster shots appear to work about as well against the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron subvariants as the original boosters they replaced, according to two new studies from research teams at Harvard and Columbia universities.

www.cnn.com

There are variables in that study that a wide enough to drive a truck through. While they might be onto something, the study population is far too low to come up with anything even remotely conclusive or with any great deal of confidence. There's also a large conflict of interest since one of the study's authors sits on the scientific board of Janssen, which makes a competing product to the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. I'm not saying they skewed the results and it was disclosed, but it is a variable that needs to be considered.

I really wish the media would be more upfront with this too. While what CNN posted isn't misinformation, the average reader could very much look at that and determine the booster is useless.

 

[Jezza819]

Just got back from getting my booster shot. Now the waiting begins but that's why I scheduled for a Friday in case of side effects. Last time it took about 12 hours before I got a bad headache then the cold feeling followed by feeling very hot. But it was gone about 6-8 hours after it started.

 

[UKMikey]

My cousin in Singapore became infected from her daughter and both are isolating for 7-10 days. Last night she had a really bad headache. She says she has a new variant called XBB. Despite being infected and recovering in March she had no immunity to the new strain.

 

[Jezza819]

Some 20 hours roughly after the booster shot and I think I've made it through the worst of the side effects. They came on quicker than my last booster. I didn't sleep well last night and woke up this morning with the body aches and a very sore left arm. The previous boosters and Covid shot I got in my right arm.

I was about halfway through breakfast when I started getting very nauseous to the point I thought I was going to throw up while I was eating so I had to stop. I was getting very hot and that lasted a few minutes and turned into the chills. I was still trying to finish breakfast but my hands were shaking so bad I could barely hold the fork so I gave up. Changed into my warmest clothes and sat down on the couch. Started feeling sleepy so I laid down for about a 2 hour nap. Once I woke up from that I'm feeling much better. Now it's just back to the body aches which hopefully will be gone in a few hours and everything will be back to normal.

So feel like total crap for about 4 or 5 hours on a weekend but hopefully greatly reduce my chances of getting Covid, I'll gladly make that choice again in the future.

 

[Pupik]

Just got back from getting my booster shot. Now the waiting begins but that's why I scheduled for a Friday in case of side effects. Last time it took about 12 hours before I got a bad headache then the cold feeling followed by feeling very hot. But it was gone about 6-8 hours after it started.

Got my 2nd booster this morning and I feel sluggish, but that could be from a lack of rest and jet lag. My doctor suggested waiting 3 months after contracting COVID to get another booster, so it's been almost a year since my 1st booster.

I feel about the same as my second overall shot from April of last year; moving in slow motion but not feeling sick.

 

[Jezza819]

Got my 2nd booster this morning and I feel sluggish, but that could be from a lack of rest and jet lag. My doctor suggested waiting 3 months after contracting COVID to get another booster, so it's been almost a year since my 1st booster.

I feel about the same as my second overall shot from April of last year; moving in slow motion but not feeling sick.

My last booster was December 2021 so I felt the timing was right. I know what you mean about moving in slow motion. I'm not just popping up off of the couch or a chair right now. It's a little more of an effort.

If I remember correctly from last December I slept very well Saturday night or at least very well for me. I'm hoping that's the case again. If I can sleep for 4 hours without waking up that's about the best I can do. Usually it's 2 1/2 to 3 hours at a time if I'm lucky.

 

[TB]

I scheduled my youngest to get his booster today but last night my wife came home and said that three docs that she trusts at the hospital said that there were some possible respiratory issues with the newest booster, specifically for teenage boys. Until we know a bit more about that, I've cancelled the booster for now.

 

[TJ13]

Here is some analytic information on the start of SARS-CoV2 from the US senate, followed by lots of things that almost shows that it started at the lab and then went to the market instead of the market first.
Also pointing out no intermediate host and that those very early samples of almost 30,000 had only 2 different variations.
It's an interesting read and lots of understandable reading nothing too sciency and whatnot.

https://www.help.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/report_an_analysis_of_the_origins_of_covid-19_102722.pdf

 

[TB]

It's an interesting read and lots of understandable reading nothing too sciency and whatnot.

That's what I want out of a medical document - nothing too sciency and whatnot so everyone can think they're an expert on it with their varied opinions.

 

[Joey D]

Ah yes, Richard Burr the US Representative who...checks notes...sold lawn equipment before getting into politics and has a degree in...checks notes again...communications.

Politicians aren't scientists and very rarely are they doctors. It's all well and good for them to release a report but take it with a grain of salt. I suspect they're on the right track, though, with a lab leak spreading through the market. I don't think it was intentional and I do think it was just the result of shoddy lab safety protocols.

 

[DioEmsti]

Thought I'd share this with you


Read the comments on that video.

 

[McLaren]

Read the comments on a Youtube video? That's a good way to ensure you definitely won't be taken seriously.


That guy started off the pandemic on the right track & quickly bought in crank theories.

 

[DioEmsti]

Read the comments on a Youtube video? That's a good way to ensure you definitely won't be taken seriously.


That guy started off the pandemic on the right track & quickly bought in crank theories.

Youtube comments obviously count as anecdotal evidence but they seem to confirm some of what already been shown on some news channels, Spanish soldier died a couple weeks of trombosis after getting the astrazeneca vaccine, some healthy teen in Italy too, a girl from Australia got hospitalized with bloodclots, a couple Japanese men died after receiveing vaccines from a bad batch that Japanese authorities promptly suspended etc, you can google these yourself and they aren't from conspiratorial websites.

Japan suspends 1.6 mln doses of Moderna shot after contamination reports

Japan suspended the use of 1.63 million doses of Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, more than a week after the domestic distributor received reports of contaminants in some vials.

www.reuters.com

I'm not saying the vaccine necessarily will hurt you but perhaps the thirst for profit lead to some cut corners when it comes to quality control.

 

[Joey D]

Thought I'd share this with you


Read the comments on that video.

Judging by the comments you seem to think that the COVID vaccine is causing excess cardiac deaths? Really?

Let's look at this from a completely non-conspritorial perspective shall we? Healthcare systems across the globe were clogged up for nearly two years and there continues to be an enormous backlog. Also, due to restrictions and staffing shortages, people couldn't get routine, preventative care as easily. It's not really a big leap to put two and two together and see that when people can't get care or can't get it in a timely manner, more disease is going to spring up. We also, largely, sat on our asses for the better part of 18 months so exercise was down as well and people were learning to cook, bake, and ordering Doordash like no tomorrow. Couple all of it together and yes, people are dying from heart disease.

There's also a decent amount of evidence (which has been posted in this thread) that shows COVID can damage the cardiovascular system. So maybe you had minimal symptoms, but it's not exactly out of the realm of possibilities to think you could develop a cardiovascular complication later on.

While the vaccines do carry some risk of cardiovascular complications, it's not high enough to see mass deaths.

 

[DioEmsti]

Judging by the comments you seem to think that the COVID vaccine is causing excess cardiac deaths? Really?

Let's look at this from a completely non-conspritorial perspective shall we? Healthcare systems across the globe were clogged up for nearly two years and there continues to be an enormous backlog. Also, due to restrictions and staffing shortages, people couldn't get routine, preventative care as easily. It's not really a big leap to put two and two together and see that when people can't get care or can't get it in a timely manner, more disease is going to spring up. We also, largely, sat on our asses for the better part of 18 months so exercise was down as well and people were learning to cook, bake, and ordering Doordash like no tomorrow. Couple all of it together and yes, people are dying from heart disease.

There's also a decent amount of evidence (which has been posted in this thread) that shows COVID can damage the cardiovascular system. So maybe you had minimal symptoms, but it's not exactly out of the realm of possibilities to think you could develop a cardiovascular complication later on.

While the vaccines do carry some risk of cardiovascular complications, it's not high enough to see mass deaths.

I remember some study that mentioned that two doses of the vaccine (can't remember from which pharma brand) caused greater risk of myocarditis than covid itself, specially when taken with an interval shorter than 6months.
Plus mRNA potential long term effects are unknown, at least that's what I read in the World Economic Forum website, maybe there aren't any or maybe there are, time will tell, there might be some long term effects from covid itself too but when I hear that some guy dropped dead after the vaccine I think I'll take my chances with Covid.
CDC numbers for over two years of pandemic show less than 900 deaths in age group 0-18, so is there really a need to force children to get the vaccine?

The Danish government is no longer pushing these to quote Reuters:

"In June, the Danish government said it had completed its seasonal vaccination programme and had decided to make some changes to the upcoming autumn/winter season.

“From 1 July, 2022, it will no longer be possible for children and youngsters under the age of 18 to receive the 1st jab, and from 1 September, 2022, it will no longer be possible to receive the 2nd jab,” the Danish Health Authority said. The change was because children and young people rarely suffer severe outcomes of the Omicron variant, it said.

The authority said that some children with an increased risk would still be eligible for vaccination, after an assessment from a doctor (here)."

 

[Joey D]

I remember some study that mentioned that two doses of the vaccine (can't remember from which pharma brand) caused greater risk of myocarditis than covid itself, specially when taken with an interval shorter than 6months.

By all means post it, because the American Heart Association disagrees with this completely:

COVID-19 infection poses higher risk for myocarditis than vaccines

The overall risk of myocarditis was higher immediately after being infected with COVID-19 than in the weeks after vaccination for the coronavirus, new research shows.

www.heart.org

Plus mRNA potential long term effects are unknown, at least that's what I read in the World Economic Forum website, maybe there aren't any or maybe there are, time will tell, there might be some long term effects from covid itself too but when I hear that some guy dropped dead after the vaccine I think I'll take my chances with Covid.

Go ahead and take your chances with COVID. I'm a reasonably healthy adult who ended up with long-COVID and had problems for months. In fact, 1 in 5 people could suffer from long-COVID symptoms per the CDC. You can certainly think whatever you want from some random comment on a YouTube video, but in this thread at least, we focus on scientific-backed evidence and studies. We've done it since the start of the pandemic and have constantly had to deal with crackpots who think they know better because BIGMAGADADDY69 posted a comment on YouTube saying their wife's boyfriend's mother's uncle had a vaccine and died.

CDC numbers for over two years of pandemic show less than 900 deaths in age group 0-18, so is there really a need to force children to get the vaccine?

Vaccines don't prevent death, they reduce the risk of severe illness. Deaths have never been the issue with COVID, while there have been numerous deaths that could've been prevented the death rate has remained low. What's always been an issue is too many people getting sick at once and needing a finite resource like healthcare.

With that said, vaccines shouldn't be forced, but there should be consequences for not getting it. Don't want your child vaccinated? That's your choice, but then they shouldn't be able to attend school since a full set of vaccinations are required for that. Don't want to vaccinate yourself? Absolutely your choice, but your employer has every right to fire you over it. Don't want to get vaccinated but get COVID and need hospitalization? That would certainly suck, but insurance companies should deny coverage.

I'm all for people making their own choice, but the freedom to choose doesn't protect you from consequences.

 

[McLaren]

I remember some study that mentioned that two doses of the vaccine (can't remember from which pharma brand) caused greater risk of myocarditis than covid itself,

Wrong, other way around. Covid is a higher risk after infection.

Youtube comments obviously count as anecdotal evidence

They count as a baloney, regardless of video subject quite honestly.

but they seem to confirm some of what already been shown on some news channels, Spanish soldier died a couple weeks of trombosis after getting the astrazeneca vaccine, some healthy teen in Italy too, a girl from Australia got hospitalized with bloodclots, a couple Japanese men died after receiveing vaccines from a bad batch that Japanese authorities promptly suspended etc, you can google these yourself and they aren't from conspiratorial websites.

Japan suspends 1.6 mln doses of Moderna shot after contamination reports

Japan suspended the use of 1.63 million doses of Moderna Inc's COVID-19 vaccine on Thursday, more than a week after the domestic distributor received reports of contaminants in some vials.

www.reuters.com

I'm not saying the vaccine necessarily will hurt you but perhaps the thirst for profit lead to some cut corners when it comes to quality control.

You cited 5 people out of millions and millions who've been vaccinated, and a link from August of last year....

 

[Blitz24]

They count as a baloney, regardless of video subject quite honestly.

I guess when no mainstream media and/or doctor is making the case that vaccines are evil, one has to go with Youtube video comments as their source of justification.

 

[Hayden]

People are still going on about the vaccines?

 

[Danoff]

People are still going on about the vaccines?

Look, only 12.7 Billion doses have of these vaccines have been administered. How do we know they're not poison? [/s]

 

[Blitz24]

Look, only 12.7 Billion doses have of these vaccines have been administered. How do we know they're not poison? [/s]

My 5G signal has improved. I also found out from this lady I might be magnetic. Are you?

 

[UKMikey]

I also found out from this lady I might be magnetic. Are you?

Talk about a polarizing opinion.

 

[Famine]

Look, only 12.7 Billion doses have of these vaccines have been administered. How do we know they're not poison? [/s]

If only there was more data, and with only two years since their introduction we still don't know what the long-term effects might be...

 

[Joey D]

And if there are any more concerns regarding the safety of the bivalent booster, I would encourage you to check out the information from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS):

Safety Monitoring of Bivalent COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine ..

This report describes safety monitoring of COVID-19 vaccine booster ..

www.cdc.gov

Also, this seemed rather important to the discussion at hand too:

To date, five reports of myocarditis and four reports of pericarditis after bivalent booster vaccination were received by VAERS following administration of 22.6 million doses among persons aged ≥12 years in the United States.

So 9 out of 22.6 million means, assuming my math is right, there is a 0.00004% chance of getting myocarditis or pericarditis.

 

[XJ40]

Well, after years of dodging it I caught it. Absolutely no idea where from.
Symptoms so far are a nightmare grade headache, zero appetite or thirst, tickly throat which leads to only a cough or two, joints are sore for no reason, and a tight feeling in the throat. Ventolin inhaler does nothing but the steroid one does help.
All I can say is I'm glad I got the vaccine and boosters etc. Due to get another booster late this month so I'm not sure if I'll be able to.

Edit:

I thought I had it last year but was testing negative so I put it down to a bad cold. This is definitely different and I dont like it.

 

[Jezza819]

I think I had another small reaction spell from the booster late last night a week to the day after I got the booster. I'm always up very late Friday and Saturday nights anyway but around 10pm or so I started getting a bad headache and a slightly upset stomach. Took a Relpax for the headache but I don't keep anything around for upset stomach so I just had to stick that out. But by about 2am everything had cleared up.

But after the headache and the upset stomach went away I got very sleepy and went to sleep for four hours straight which is huge for me and something I almost never do so there was a silver lining to the episode. I seem to recall after each booster and the initial shot there was some sort of slight reaction up until a week after the shot so I guess I should have expected it. But it was minimal and not that big of a deal.