Covid cases are on the rise once again
XFG Covid – known as ‘American Covid’ – is the latest strain of the virus to dominate in Ireland(Image: © 2022 Yiu Yu Hoi)
Covid cases are climbing once again, with Ireland facing a new coronavirus surge ahead of winter.
The XFG strain, occasionally referred to as ‘American Covid‘ or ‘Stratus’, is amongst the variants in circulation, causing a number of infections – though health officials indicate it has in fact been spreading worldwide quietly for more than a year.
Hanna Yusuf, prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, cautioned that people might confuse the infection with a seasonal illness as temperatures drop.
She explained: “Symptoms remain broadly similar to those seen with other Covid-19 variants, including fatigue, cough, fever, headache, muscle aches, a runny or blocked nose and sore throat.”
A hoarse or croaky voice has additionally been documented, though it is not exclusive to this variant. Since symptoms can significantly overlap with seasonal colds and flu, it isn’t always feasible to determine which infection somebody has purely from their symptoms.
Hanna Yusuf, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U(Image: Chemist4U)
Yusuf warned that those at greater risk should not delay seeking advice until they become seriously ill, reports the Mirror. Her guidance was clear: “Act quickly if you’re high-risk. If you have a long-term condition, are pregnant, or over 65, don’t wait until day five to seek help. Early antiviral treatment can make a difference but works best if started promptly.”
Yusuf also urged those eligible for an autumn Covid vaccine or flu jab to remain up to date with their seasonal protection. She added that keeping a working thermometer and rapid Covid tests at home could help people monitor their symptoms more accurately and seek assistance sooner should they fall ill.
To help alleviate the growing winter strain on hospitals, health officials are encouraging the public to maintain good respiratory hygiene and remain at home when feeling unwell. If you experience a high temperature or feel too poorly to undertake your usual activities, current guidance advises avoiding contact with others until your symptoms improve.
People age 65 and older are at the highest risk of serious illness from COVID-19 if they have not been vaccinate, according to the HSE.
Serious illness means that you may need to go to hospital, an intensive care unit (ICU), or be put on a ventilator to help you breathe. There is also a risk of death.
How to protect yourself
Keeping up to date with your vaccines is the most important thing you can do to avoid serious COVID-19 illness. Talk to your GP or hospital care team if you have any questions about vaccination.
Dotry to avoid crowded indoor spaces, if possiblewear a face mask, if you would like tokeep active and look after your general health – this will improve your chance of recovery if you get COVID-19wash or sanitise your hands oftencontinue to use the healthcare services you need – ask or remind healthcare workers about precautions if neededDon’t
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