Welp, it finally happened. The wife was talking about how she couldn't smell the early blooming daffodils down the bottom of the garden this afternoon (and even her impromptu test of sniffing the Aldi washing up liquid bottle resulted in just a faint smell), so I tested myself and for the first time since this all began, I got an actual, visible positive test for COVID.

So, that would explain my continuing illness (cough, headaches, no energy, etc) this week. Didn't test the wife as well as we've both been having the same symptoms.

Does it explain the vomiting last Saturday? Possibly. Just goes to show, you can't be too careful with other people and your own welfare.

I am disappointed and worried for my other half's health.

Best wishes, Boink and Mrs B. Get well soon. ? 

My daughter has it again. She visited her elderly grandparents the day before she found she had it. Fingers VERY crossed she didn't pass it on.

Well, seem  to be over COVID, but me and the wife still have the nasty cough.

Turned 58 today and I see that NHS have COVID boosters available, so going down to local pharmacy tomorrow to see if my heart condition covers me.

Got my booster today, in and out of the pharmacy in a couple of minutes.

So how many jabs have people had so far ? ? 

Currently I've had the 1+1 as part of the initial vaccination (2021), followed by 1 booster about 6 months later (2022). I'm healthy and non-vulnerable. Before travelling, I'm looking at getting my second booster (which will be my 4th jab).

Looking at the NHS website > Getting a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine > it states boosters are required for >75+ and for those with pre-existing conditions. (Which is weird, cos my Mum is neither, and she had a booster before Xmas).

@boink - was that your second booster ? So you were deemed 'vulnerable' and will start take an annual booster now, same as the flu shot?

Anyone know what the recommendations are for front-line NHS staff, or anyone working with old people - annual boosters ?

I’ve had 4 so far. My youngest daughter has Colitis and was offered a 5th booster as that was deemed to make her vulnerable. I also have Colitis and can’t get the extra booster for some reason? I also have long Covid which doesn’t seem to make much difference either! 

@boink - was that your second booster ? So you were deemed 'vulnerable' and will start take an annual booster now, same as the flu shot?

Yes, though I wasn't sure if I was deemed vulnerable enough so took my cardiologists letter along with me. The pharmacist took a brief glance at it and said that was fine. I'll take any booster that comes along, though still didn't stop me from catching it this year (first time I actually tested positive with the kit).

Thanks, guys.

Speaking to my Mum, it seems like the current springtime booster is for over 75s (most vulnerable), but it sounds like the autumn one (in time for winter) has the same requirements as the annual flu shot.

I'm booked in for my 2nd booster (4th jab) this afternoon. I'm flying longhaul to meet (and hug) elderly relatives, so it seems like the most sensible precaution to take!

Just getting over my second time of having covid, took about a week to not need a nap in the afternoon! I've had my initial injection and 3 boosters previously. Unfortunately I caught covid from the hospital my Dad was in. It seems hospitals don't really worry about covid anymore. My Dad passed away a couple of weeks ago due to his original problem (kidney failure) with pneumonia and covid-19, both of which he caught at the hospital.