I caught the 'Pirola' (BA.2.86) variant: October 22nd 2023 (*update*)

 I caught COVID-19 again, possibly the 'Pirola' (BA.2.86) variant, which interestingly occurred at the same time as last year, in October 2022.  In 2022, it was the XBB variant, and I was four shots vaccinated (for earlier strains).  This year in 2023, I had a 5 shots which was to cover the XBB/Omicron variants at the time, which did not include the latest Pirola variant, please refer to this post: chiasmusmagazine.blogspot.com/2023/09/ba286-or-pirola-is-beginning-to.html in relation to the recent COVID strain.

Both infections felt the same, instantly sore throat, sneezing, then a headache, fever, pain, nervous system feels sensitive (eyes, neck).  For me, I don't get too much of a chest infection, just a bad fever.  It hits hard.  Doesn't feel like the flu, which I haven't had in over 2 years.

For all my COVID-19 articles since 2019: chiasmusmagazine.blogspot.com/search/label/2019-nCov%20virus

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*update*

The fever with Pirola was far more heavier, albeit mild, in definitely makes your body ache, feel weighty and tired.  There was congestion with both the nose and chest, this didn't occur with XBB.  The neurological issues were more prolific also, which I noticed with XBB, mainly to do with nerve damage I have in my neck, it affected the vision, like a jarring feeling when I moved my eyes.  Which I figured out, has to do with inflamed nerve endings as my body fights the virus.  It hits sharper than than flu, and as mentioned I haven't had the flu in over two years, with yearly flu shots.  I have had 5 Covid shots.  It tells you are how broadly mutated this virus can become and evade immunization. 

*update 1*

After fours days, fever has gone, left with slight chest infection and sore throat.  Which is interesting, as it initially started with a sore throat.  I can't recall this occurring with the last COVID infection.   Which tells me that I am still fighting the virus.  Will do a Rapid Antigen Test on the 5th day.

*update 2*

Slight cough.  Infection gone. No loss of smell, taste etc.  Much like the last infection and no long Covid.

In conclusion.

What a nasty fucking virus COVID-19 is.  Best be vaccinated with boosters every year, watch for yearly mutations.  If you catch one of the variants, rest, meditate or take painkillers, fluids.  That's it.