Expert explains why everyone has a blocked nose and cough at the moment
Why is it that everyone is suffering with symptoms of the common cold and flu at the moment? And could it be Covid?
No it isn't just you, there are a lot of people who are feeling a bit worse for wear at the moment with many wondering why that is the case.
It is no secret that September marks the beginning of an increase in seasonal illnesses. So why is it that everyone is suffering with symptoms of the common cold and flu at the moment? And could it be Covid?
A new strain of Covid, the XEC variant, has been identified and is said to be the dominant variant at present. So far there is no evidence that shows it is any different to former strains of the virus, with the Covid vaccine offering decent protection against it.
READ MORE: What it's really like to have Covid right now as 'distinctive' XEC variant symptoms spread
READ MORE: Winter vaccination programme opens as HSE issues flu and Covid warning
However, according to the most recent data from the UK Health Security Agency, the number of people falling ill with the flu has also increased. The latest UK government data shows that rhinovirus infections (a type of common cold) jumped in the week up to September 22 with the number of hospital patients testing positive for the virus increasing from 10.6 per cent to 14 per cent, the highest increase since December last year. Covid cases also saw an increase of 30 per cent that week. In Ireland, the rise in cases of respiratory viruses has been more slight, with the latest figures, up to September 28, available here.
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University, told the i: "There are a lot of people suffering from runny noses and coughs at the moment. This is due to a double whammy of infections with the common cold virus (rhinovirus) and with the Covid virus."
He explained it will likely get worse with the return to school and cold weather, as well as large gatherings like freshers' week at universities. He advised that people should try to avoid crowded and poorly-ventilated spaces and wear a face mask if they are concerned. The winter vaccination programme in Ireland got underway earlier this week, as the HSE warned that "both flu and Covid-19 viruses are expected to circulate".
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer, HSE said: "I am urging everyone eligible to get the flu and Covid-19 vaccines to protect yourselves and your family over the coming months. This year, we have extended the flu vaccine to more people, making it available for free to everyone aged 60 years and older.
"Both flu and Covid-19 vaccines are also recommended for anyone who has a long-term health condition, pregnant women, and health and care workers. The nasal flu vaccine, which will be available from next week, is recommended for children aged 2-17 years old.
"We know that some people had Covid-19 over the last few months. If the Covid-19 vaccine is recommended for you, you should wait at least three months between having Covid-19 and getting your Covid-19 vaccine. However, don’t delay all your winter vaccines – get your flu vaccine now and get your Covid-19 booster when it is due."
To see what vaccines are recommended for you, visit here, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.
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