An Irish Pharmacist is advising the public to make use of ‘triple virus antigen tests’ that are now available as cases of Covid, Flu and other respiratory illnesses continue to surge.
Sheena Mitchell of Wonderbaba.ie and Milltown totalhealth pharmacy echoed the advice from the HSE as it pushed people to get the flu vaccine, particularly children aged 2-17 years as there have been many hospitalisations within this age group recently.
The flu virus typically peaks in February and ends in April, but at the moment there is fear that Ireland may have many more cases to come - putting further pressure on the already struggling health system.
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Ms. Mitchell explained that the flu vaccine takes two weeks before it is fully effective, and so it is important that parents prioritise this for their children now. The painless and free nasal flu vaccine is available and administered in most community pharmacies.
Health officials have listed the symptoms of the Flu virus, RSV and Covid, and most of them crossover - particularly in young children - so a great way to diagnose yourself is with a triple virus antigen test.
Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to each of these three viruses currently in spreading widely in the community, and Ms. Mitchel says “both pharmacists and GPs will be able to better advise their patients as to the treatment options when they know which virus they are dealing with”.
She says that while RSV cases are falling, the levels of Flu are rising to levels never seen before in Ireland.
“As we know, viruses do not respond to antibiotics so best practice medical advice will usually be to treat the symptoms and make the patient comfortable,” Ms. Mitchell said.
“Your local community pharmacist will be able to advise you on the best course of at-home treatment.
“However, some viruses like RSV and Influenza have the potential for the development of a secondary bacterial infection following the initial viral infection. This is where you will need to seek the advice of your local doctor.
“For the very young and the very old, if you are concerned and can’t reach your own doctor or their out-of-hours service, then a trip to accident and emergency in the hospital may be required”.
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