Urgent warning as cases of contagious winter virus soar heres 10 symptoms to watch over mult… – The Irish Sun

HEALTH bosses have "urgently" warned people to get vaccinated against flu and Covid amid concern over an expected "imminent rise" in winter viruses.

Influenza, known as the flu, has seen a rise in cases over the last number of weeks and the HSPC has admitted they are concerned about cases skyrocketing over the winter.

New figures for last week show the infection is circulating in the community - with anyone unwell asked to stay at home.

Last week it was confirmed that 64 cases of the flu were reported in Ireland with 17 people hospitalised since last week.

There were 66 cases of the flu last week, which is a sudden jump from the 36 cases reported the week before.

The HSPC said: "There is a concern that the uptake of the vaccines so far remains low, and that this may have a serious impact on public health in the coming weeks and months.

"There is no room for complacency at this point.

"Hospitals are already feeling pressure from a significant level of RSV, particularly our paediatric services."

They confirmed that they expect cases of the flu to peak either next month or during January.

They explained: "The winter in the southern hemisphere saw very high levels of flu, and this adds to the concern about our own winter.

"We are already seeing early signs that flu levels are rising and we expect it to be reaching its peak from mid-December and into January.

"COVID-19 levels are currently stable but we are seeing people seriously ill with COVID-19, including in our ICUs now, and around half of those have not received boosters in the last six months."

The HSE is urging everyone who is eligible, including older people, carers and vulnerable groups, to book their appointments for both the flu and COVID vaccines.

The health bosses said "all projections" are pointing towards a "multi pathogenic winter" as we move into the rise of flu and Covid season.

They added: "A significant rise in respiratory illnesses over the coming weeks is expected."

Flu is an infection caused by a virus that infects your lungs and upper airways. It will often get better on its own but can make some people "seriously ill".

Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:

The symptoms of flu are similar for children but they can also get a pain in their ear and seem to be less active.

Cold and flu symptoms are similar, but flu tends to be more severe.

A cold will appear gradually but flu symptoms appear quickly "within a few hours," the HSE confirmed.

And although a cold will affect your nose and throat and make you feel unwell but you can carry on as normal, the flu will affect more than just your nose and throat and make you feel exhausted and too unwell to carry on as normal.

Flu and COVID-19 can be very similar and it could be coronavirus if you have a high temperature, a new and continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You're more likely to give it to others in the first five days.

The flu virus spreads through coughs and sneezes and it can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.

To reduce the risk of spreading flu wash your hands often with warm water and soap, use tissues to trap germs when you cough or sneeze and bin used tissues as quickly as possible.

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Urgent warning as cases of contagious winter virus soar heres 10 symptoms to watch over mult... - The Irish Sun