People are complaining about a new ‘lurgy’ sweeping across Nottinghamshire, and it’s not Covid as they keep testing negative for it. There are fears the nation could be in for a ‘tridemic’ with the NHS simultaneously managing an uptick in flu-related illnesses, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Many have taken to social media to talk about their frustration of getting the ‘worst cold ever’ with plenty of coronavirus symptoms - but not having the lethal virus itself. There are fears this year’s flu season could be particularly bad with some predicting potentially 30,000 deaths.
The past two Christmases spent in the grip of the pandemic saw Covid cases spike in the winter time. But people are reporting this year that they are suffering from different illnesses, YorkshireLive reports.
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Philip Butterworth commented: “I had it for four weeks. Strangely enough I never really at any time felt ill. What I did have was this horrendous cough and gunge on the chest. Could not get under it to clear myself.
“After the first day I called the quacks who said you sound bad but no appointment for 2 weeks. Ended up phoning 111. Had a course of antibiotics but did not clear it up. Any how it’s gone now tested several times for Covid. All negative. Good luck if you have it. Lots going down with it.”
Pat Bowden said: “I got antibiotics and had a reaction - never been as poorly. I’m just carrying on. It’s this cough, coughing up all day long, two and half weeks now. It must end soon.”
On Twitter Paul Brand said: “Anyone else got their worst lurgy in years? I am fully ready to hibernate this Christmas.” Sophie Louise said: “I’ve got the lurgy… cough, blocked nose, face feels like I’ve been hit by a frying pan, sore throat”
Comedian and author David Baddiel revealed this morning: “Woke up with a blinding head ache which my daughter says means I’ve got the lurgy she’s got that everyone’s getting at the moment. But I feel ok now. Is it just playing tricks with me? Ps it wasn’t a hangover.” Sriptwren added: “I’m lying shivering in with bed with a headache and ANOTHER sore throat. Had one day after last lurgy when I felt okay. One day.”
Igerpat from Notts said on twitter: "This is what I’ve got. Had a temperature for 4 days and had never felt so ill. Sore throat & first chest infection ever to make ribs hurt from coughing. It’s now day 8 & I have completely lost my voice. Just hoping I’ll be able to speak by Christmas.
According to a medical expert there are a number of things we can do to try to avoid getting ill this winter. Some of us are more susceptible than others, say if we are tired, run-down or suffer from other conditions, Dr Nadja Auerbach, at Thriva said.
Here is a list of ways to stay healthy:
Relax
Dr Auerbach said being more vulnerable can come from “everyday occurrences such as too much stress and not getting enough sleep”. So, don’t be afraid to hibernate this winter and destress from the busy year. Spending some time on your own will also reduce the number or people you may be exposed to.
Drink more water and less booze
If you are regularly “getting dehydrated, and binge drinking,” you are making yourself more vulnerable, according to Dr Auerbach. It may be difficult when so much of the season is spent eating and drinking, but make sure you are having a bit of balance and drinking plenty of water too will help lower your risk of getting sick. “A lifestyle with healthy habits is key in minimising your chances of getting an infection,” she says.
Eat immune-boosting foods
“The best approach is to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants,” says Dr Rhianna McClymont, GP at Livi (livi.co.uk). “All the usual suspects – lean meat, fish, grains, pulses, and five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
“Try to have a mix of colours on your plate. The wider the variety of colours you eat, the more types of phytochemicals [the chemical compound produced by plants] you consume, which are essential for fighting inflammation in the body,” she says.
“If you don’t always have the fresh foods in, stock up on a few portions of frozen or tinned fruit and veg. This alternative is just as nutritious as fresh because it’s frozen so quickly after being picked.”
Try vitamin supplements or prioritise vitamin-rich food
“To go one step further, make sure your diet includes a mix of vitamins and minerals associated with a strong immune system,” says McClymont. She suggests: “Vitamin A – which can be found in liver, milk and cheese and green leafy vegetables. Also try prioritise vitamin C – found in oranges, tomatoes, kiwis, blackcurrants, peppers and broccoli. [And] vitamin D – found in oily fish, eggs, fortified breakfast cereals and dairy products.”
Lesser known vitamins try and include more of in your diet include zinc, “found in meat, poultry, eggs, cheese”, she says. “As well as root veg, nuts and seeds and selenium which can be found in wholegrain bread, eggs, poultry, fish and shellfish.”
Wear a mask and wash your hands
“Masks, particularly in mass use, can reduce the risk of airborne infections,” says Dr Sanjay Mehta, GP at The London General Practice, “which is the route of transmission of many of the infections currently sharply rising in the UK. Regular handwashing can further reduce the transmission risk too.”
Stay on top of vaccines and boosters
“Many viruses and other infection-causing bugs make it through this initial barrier [of masks and hand santisation] and into the body, so looking after your immune system is just as important, to maximise your defence,” says Mehta. “That includes keeping up-to-date with the annual influenza (flu) jab and covid boosters, which helps to reduce the risk of transmission and severity of such infections.”
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