After two years of a global pandemic, it’s easy to jump to conclusions and assume we’re all being massive wusses and germphobes now by coining the latest bug to sweep the nation - the ‘worst cold ever’.
But, after hearing anecdotal rants from friends on colds that wouldn’t shift for six-plus weeks, and data beginning to back up these Chinese-whispered claims, we’re all starting to take attention of the latest rapidly spreading virus. So, how seriously are we taking the ‘worst cold ever’ - and should we be concerned?
Around one in three doctors concerningly do not believe their NHS organisation is ready for the challenges of winter . And the deputy chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, has said that the NHS “could be the busiest it’s ever been” this winter period.
And when it comes to the Great British public, our cursing of winter colds has hit an all-time high - and for justified reasons. Bristol Live readers have shared their experiences on Facebook with us - ranging from the annoying, to the concerning.
Read more: GP explains why some people have 'worst cold ever'
Rig Georgiou commented, “[I had a] chest infection, head cold, glands and sinus flare-up for five weeks. Had to have two lots of antibiotics and ended up having a chest X-ray.
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Similarly, Sian Coombes shared a scary anecdote - but luckily herself and her son are on the mend. “My son ended up having an overnight stay in hospital needing oxygen. We found out it was metapneumovirus that progressed to chest infections for both of us.”
So, what do you make of the worst cold ever? Now labelled a 'significant health concern' by experts, do you think it’s of equal concern to Covid as we enter the cold, dark winter months?
Let us know in our quick survey.
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