Droves of people across Ireland are suffering from coughs and sniffles but keep returning negative antigen tests and presume they are safe to continue with their daily routine.
But while you might not have Covid-19, you could have rhinovirus - the virus responsible for the common cold - and the advice remains that you should not be going about your daily business while displaying symptoms.
The official HSE advice states: "Symptoms of a cold can be similar to symptoms of Covid-19. Do not go to work or send your child to school or creche with a cold.
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"You can go back to work, school or creche when your symptoms have been gone for 48 hours."
But how do you know if you have the common cold? Here's all you need to know.
What are the symptoms?
The HSE says: "The first symptom of a cold is usually a sore throat. This is generally followed by sneezing or a blocked, sore or runny nose. Usually, 1 in 3 people with a cold will get a cough and feel unwell.
"You will usually feel worse during the first 2 to 3 days before gradually starting to improve. Your symptoms will usually last about a week."
Cold symptoms can include:
- blocked or runny nose
- sore throat
- headaches
- muscle aches
- coughs
- sneezing
- a raised temperature
- pressure in your ears and face
- loss of taste and smell
The health body adds: "The symptoms are the same in adults and children. Sometimes, symptoms last longer in children.
"Cold and flu symptoms are similar but flu tends to be more severe."
Causes and how long you're infectious
The HSE states: "Colds are caused by viruses. They can easily spread to other people. You're infectious until all your symptoms have gone. This usually takes about a week.
"Colds are spread by germs from coughs and sneezes. The germs can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.
"To reduce the risk of spreading a cold you should:
- wash your hands often with warm water and soap
- cough into your elbow to stop germs getting on to your hands and spreading to other people
- use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze
- bin used tissues as quickly as possible."
