Many people across Ireland are coming down with a bug that “feels like Covid but isn’t” in the run-up to Christmas.
Social media is full of people sharing their misery over taking ill with symptoms similar to Covid, while testing negative.
TV writer Daran Little tweeted: "Anyone else down with something that feels like covid but isn’t???"
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He was inundated with responses with thousands agreeing while sharing their own symptoms.
“Yep. Had Covid 2 weeks ago (for the first time) and got over it, and now got a cold - Tickly throat, runny nose, heavy head, tired,” one person wrote.
Another added: “Yes. I’m coughing like someone on 40 cigs a day (I don’t smoke) and I can’t keep awake for more than a few hours a day. Totally feel like I’m on my last legs!”
Someone else commented: “Yep. Really bad head cold for over a week now, lost my voice from a sore throat for 6 days and it has only just started to come back but my head is still all congested.”
It comes as flu cases in Ireland have almost doubled within a week. There were 670 confirmed influenza cases notified to HPSC in the week ending December 11, compared to 370 cases reported the previous week. Of those cases, 213 were hospitalised.
The HPSC added that cases increased in almost all age groups last week, but mainly in those aged 65 and over. The median age of cases was 38 and the overall positivity rate was 13.8%.
A spokesperson for the HPSC said: “Based on recent influenza surveillance data, influenza is circulating in the community in Ireland. People in at-risk groups are urged to get vaccinated against influenza and it is recommended that antivirals be considered for the treatment and prevention of influenza in at-risk groups due to the continued increase in levels of flu.”
In addition, the HPSC said the “influenza-like illness rate” has increased in the past four weeks.
What to do if you have flu-like symptoms
The HPSC said: “Anyone who gets flu should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol to ease symptoms. Advice, tips, information and videos on getting over flu and other common illnesses are available at a new HSE website www.undertheweather.ie .
When to seek help
Adults - “If you are in an at-risk group with flu symptoms OR if you are not in an at-risk group but your flu symptoms are severe or getting worse you should contact your GP. GPs may wish to prescribe antivirals for those presenting with influenza in the at-risk groups. If you need to visit your GP or the Emergency Department, please phone first to explain that you might have flu.”
Children - “If your child has flu and their symptoms are severe or last for more than one week contact your GP. Please phone first to explain that they might have flu.”
How to prevent spread
“Covering your cough and sneeze can stop the spread of germs that make people sick.
“Do use a tissue and place it immediately in the bin. Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer. Do cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve. Don’t cough or sneeze into your hands. You’ll end up spreading germs to everything you touch.”
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