Lots of people across Ireland are complaining about coming down with a winter bug that “feels like Covid but isn’t”.
Social media is full of people sharing their misery over taking ill with symptoms similar to Covid, while testing negative.
Experts say that because people are mixing like they did in the pre-Covid years, unpleasant illnesses are spreading swiftly again.
READ MORE: ‘Not Covid’ lurgy spreading across Ireland as flu cases almost double within a week
The HSE is reporting a “significant surge” in both flu and Covid cases. Confirmed flu infections are up 80% on last week’s figures.
TV writer Daran Little tweeted: "Anyone else down with something that feels like covid but isn’t???"
He was inundated with responses with thousands agreeing while sharing their own symptoms.
"Just getting over 4 weeks of headache, earache and general flu like symptoms. Wasn’t Covid, actually felt far worse than when I had Covid. It totally wiped the whole family out, horrid!" one person shared.
Another Twitter user wrote: "5 weeks now - not a chest infection according to doctor but viral infection. No let-up and it never seems to be better, everyday is just the same and it’s so draining."
A third added: "Same honestly I’ve got the worst cough imaginable that’s been ongoing for two weeks with no signs of improvement. The worst."
Someone else commented: "I woke up Saturday morning with a tickly throat, but I didn't think much of it and continued going about my day. Within a few hours I developed a headache, a few hours after that I was really pale and by that evening I had developed a cough. I didn't even cough when I had Covid."
Over the weekend, Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer made an appeal for anyone with “any flu-like symptoms at all” to isolate ahead of Christmas.
In a video message, Professor Breda Smyth said: “With Christmas just one week away we are reporting a significant surge in flu cases of 80% on last week’s numbers. We have a number of patients in ICU with flu this week and unfortunately none of them have had their flu vaccine.
“Covid cases have increased rapidly in the last three days. Test positivity is now almost one in five. On average we are now seeing 75 new hospitalisations per day with Covid. We all know that vaccination saves lives. It decreases the chances of being infected and reduces the risk of severe illness from Covid and flu. So please come forward and get yours.”
Making a direct appeal to the Irish public, she continued: “My ask this week is two simple things. Firstly please come forward for your flu and Covid vaccines. I especially appeal to parents to consider getting the free nasal flu vaccine for your child.
“Secondly, please stay at home if you have any flu-like symptoms at all and prevent the onward spread of any of the winter viruses. “Please stay safe and well this Christmas. Remember the behaviours that protect us all so well.”
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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