The Government has warned up to 200,000 people could be infected with Covid-19 in December.
The stark figure comes amid a sharp rise in cases of the virus and hospital admissions in Ireland and around the world.
But what are all the symptoms? According to the HSE, there are 17 Covid signs you need to look out for.
The most common are fever, dry cough and fatigue, but less common symptoms include:
- loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this could mean they're completely gone or just different to normal
- nasal congestion (runny or blocked nose)
- conjunctivitis (also known as red eyes)
- sore throat
- headache
- muscle or joint pain (aches and pains)
- different types of skin rash
- nausea or vomiting
- diarrhoea
- chills or dizziness
The HSE warned that some people can develop other symptoms which may be an indicator of serious illness. They include shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, loss of appetite, confusion and pain or pressure in the chest.
The Government's stark warning about winter infections comes as Deputy Chief Medical Officer Ronan Glynn issued a stark warning about the correct use of rapid antigen tests.
He said a negative antigen test is NOT a 'green light' for anyone who has Covid symptoms.
Delivering a message on Twitter, he said: "It is essential that nobody with symptoms interprets a negative antigen test as meaning they do not have Covid-19.
"You should not use an antigen test if you have any symptoms of the virus. Instead, you should self isolate and arrange a PCR test.
"You should assume you have Covid until you have a negative result from a PCR test and restrict your movement for 48 hours after your symptoms are resolved.
"You should only consider using an antigen test as an additional tool to combat Covid-19 if you have no symptoms of the disease.
"If you have been vaccinated and have no symptoms but have been identified as a close contact of a confirmed case you should use 3 antigen tests over 5 days."
Mr Glynn also warned that people still engaging in 'higher risk activities' such as going to bars, clubs, cinemas and multi-household parties should use antigen tests twice a week as an additional measure along with current Covid-19 guidelines.
Mr Glynn added: "If your antigen test returns a positive result, you should self isolate immediately and arrange a PCR test.
"If you have a negative result, you still need to keep up all the other protective measures.
"This is because antigen tests may not detect the virus even if you have it."
