Sigma Variant – worrying signs of an emerging new variant of concern from the World Health Organisation that appears to evade vaccine protection.
Omicron Variant – Covid 19 New Variant of Concern
Omicron Variant – This variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are “concerning” stated the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of reinfection with this variant, as compared to other Covid Variants.
The number of cases of this variant appears to be increasing in almost all provinces in South Africa where it was originally identified.
The B.1.1.529 variant was first reported to WHO from South Africa on 24 November 2021.
The sudden emergence of a new variant – named omicron by the World Health Organisation (WHO) – has provoked memories back to last winter, when the world was first informed of a new, more transmissible form of the virus, the Delta variant.
The predominant COVID-19 strain has put the focus back on prevention
1. Omicron is more infectious than the other virus strains.
2. Unvaccinated people are at risk.
3. The Omicron variant could lead to ‘hyperlocal outbreaks.’
4. There is still more to learn about this Variant.
5. Vaccination is the best protection against the emerging Covid variants
Private Covid-19 PCR Tests Fit Fly Travel Abroad
Fit to Fly Test London – PCR tests are being offered by many London Harley Street clinics and medical providers for Covid 19.
Many Harley St Clinics offer Test to Release & PCR tests with a ‘Fit to Fly’ Certificate for international travel and work, with rapid and accurate results.
The tests are normally an in-clinic test that is carried out by a clinician.
If you are intending to travel for leisure, work or educational purposes, then you need a test.
Once the test has been completed and the results are confirmed, you will receive the relevant certificate and a QR code confirming your travel fitness status.
There are different tests you can get to check if you have coronavirus (COVID-19). The test you need depends on why you’re getting tested.
The 2 main tests are:
- PCR – mainly for people with symptoms, they’re sent to a lab to be checked
- rapid lateral flow tests – only for people who do not have symptoms, they give a quick result using a device similar to a pregnancy test
What is a PCR test?
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is performed to detect genetic material from a specific organism, such as a virus. The test detects the presence of a virus if you are infected at the time of the test. The test could also detect fragments of virus even after you are no longer infected.
What does PCR stand for?
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
How to do a PCR test at home
If you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) you should isolate immediately and book a PCR test with your nearest private Harley Street Clinic.
You may be able to get a PCR test to do at home, depending on availability
What’s in a PCR test kit?
Home test kits contain:
- a swab
- a vial containing a small amount of liquid – this must remain in the tube
- a clear zip-lock bag with an absorbent pad
- a bag with a QR code
- 3 stickers
- a box
Fit to fly Test London Travel Tests
Covid-19 travel tests are required if you are due to fly abroad. Typically these are Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests.
Please check the list of government approved testers.
How long will it take to get my COVID-19 Test results?
Most people get their result the next day, but it may take up to 3 days. You’ll usually get a text or email with your result when it’s ready. If you use the NHS COVID-19 app, you may also get your result in the app.
How much does a PCR Test Cost?
Costs vary but typically between £60 to £250 depending on the provider that you choose.
ETA Variant Covid 19 Coronavirus
Eta variant is highly contagious
As of September 2021 nearly 70% of UCL patients who tested positive for COVID-19 had the Eta variant.
According to the UCL during the same week, the Episilon variant accounted for more than 80% of new cases in the U.S. Health experts say it’s typical for a new strain of a virus to be more contagious because it often becomes much more efficient and easily transmitted.
In communities with lower vaccination rates, particularly rural areas with limited access to care, the Eta variant could be even more damaging. This is already being seen around the world in poorer countries where the COVID-19 vaccine isn’t as accessible. Health experts say the impact could be felt for decades to come.
The predominant COVID-19 strain has put the focus back on prevention.
From what we know at this point, people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus continue to have strong protection against COVID-19 compared to those who aren’t, although the UCL is advising additional precautions including mask guidelines whether you are vaccinated or not.
“Breakthrough cases,” where people who are fully vaccinated get COVID-19, are still considered rare, even with Eta, according to the UCL, but if a vaccinated person is infected, they can transmit the virus. (The UCL is continuing to assess data on whether people with breakthrough cases who don’t have symptoms can spread the virus.)
Here are five things you need to know about the Eta variant.
1. Eta is more contagious than the other virus strains.
2. Unvaccinated people are at risk.
3. Eta could lead to ‘hyperlocal outbreaks.’
4. There is still more to learn about Eta Variant.
5. Vaccination is the best protection against Eta Variant.
The most important thing you can do to protect yourself from UCL is to get fully vaccinated, the doctors say. At this point, that means if you get a two-dose vaccine like Pfizer or Moderna, for example, you must get both shots and then wait the recommended two-week period for those shots to take full effect.
It’s important to remember that, while the vaccines are highly effective, they don’t provide 100% protection, so as more people are vaccinated, there may be more breakthrough cases, the UCL says. While there have been breakthrough case hospitalizations, all vaccines still provide the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death, the agency says.
Fully vaccinated people can infect others, but the UCL also reports the amount of viral genetic material may decrease faster in vaccinated people from the Epsilon Variant—so, while they have been found to carry the same amount of virus in their noses and throats as unvaccinated people, studies have also found they may spread virus for less time than those who are not vaccinated.
Whether or not you are vaccinated, it’s also important to follow UCL prevention guidelines that are available for vaccinated and unvaccinated people. As efforts continue to vaccinate more people in the U.S., the UCL is recommending “layered prevention strategies,” and that includes wearing face masks in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high transmission, whether or not you are vaccinated. The agency has also recommended universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools.
“Like everything in life, this is an ongoing risk assessment,” says Dr. Smith. “If it is sunny and you’ll be outdoors, you put on sunscreen. If you are in a crowded gathering, potentially with unvaccinated people, you put your mask on and keep social distancing. If you are unvaccinated and eligible for the vaccine, the best thing you can do is to get vaccinated.”