Experts have warned that Ireland is in the grip of another Covid-19 wave with a 19% weekly increase in patients treated in hospital for the virus.
Yesterday, there were 776 patients in hospital with the virus - up 124 from last week. The surge in cases has prompted the Government to issue a fresh appeal to those who have not yet been vaccinated to come forward for their jab.
But even people who have been vaccinated can catch the virus and according to a recent study, there are nine key symptoms that may indicate a person has contracted Covid. These include; cough, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, fever, sneezing and reduced appetite.
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The study was published in the infectious disease journal Eurosurveillance on an outbreak of the Omicron variant that occurred at a party in Oslo, Norway. Out of the 117 attendees, 111 participated in interviews for the study, with 96% having received two doses of mRNA vaccines.
Of the 111 respondents, 66 were confirmed cases and 15 were probable cases, with 99% reporting some symptoms. Some of the less common symptoms reported included heavy breathing, reduced smell and abdominal pain.
The HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Colm Henry, said the latest surge in cases in Ireland is being driven by sub-variants of Omicron.
"These new variants mean people who were previously infected with Delta, such as in summer, autumn of last year, don’t enjoy that protection from reinfection," he told RTE’s News at One yesterday.
“Even though we are in a much better position compared to previous summers, it highlights how much uncertainty still remains. Covid is not seasonal but is a virus for all seasons.”
Trinity College immunologist, Professor Luke O'Neill, has urged anyone who hasn't yet received their booster to get it as soon as possible.
"If you're eligible go and get one," he told Newstalk.
"Because over half the people in hospital at the moment with Covid haven't had their booster. So in other words, if you're called go and get your booster. If you're over 65, you'll get the second booster - or if your immune system is weakened - they're the groups at the moment that are eligible."
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