Many people across Ireland are suffering from a bug in the run up to Christmas that ‘feels like Covid but isn’t’.
Social media is awash with people sharing their misery from contracting Covid-like symptoms while testing negative.
TV writer Daran Little tweeted: “Anyone else down with something that feels like covid but isn’t???” reports The Mirror.
He was deluged with responses with thousands agreeing while sharing their own symptoms.
“Yep. Had Covid 2 weeks ago (for the first time) and got over it, and now got a cold – Tickly throat, runny nose, heavy head, tired,” one person wrote, reports The Mirror.
Another commented: “YYep. Really bad head cold for over a week now, lost my voice from a sore throat for 6 days and it has only just started to come back but my head is still all congested,” reports The Mirror.
It comes as flu cases in Ireland nearly doubled in a week. In the week ended December 11, 670 confirmed cases of influenza were reported to the HPSC, up from 370 cases the previous week. Of these cases, 213 were hospitalized.
The HPSC added that cases rose sharply in almost all age groups last week, but mostly among those aged 65 and over. The mean age of the cases was 38 years and the overall positivity rate was 13.8%.
The HPSC said the “influenza-like illness rate” had increased over the past four weeks.
What to do with flu-like symptoms?
According to The Mirror, the HPSC instructed: “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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