Covid-19 cases have been sharply increasing nationwide this week, with some 477 new infections identified within the last seven (7) days .
This worrying figure marks a stark rise from the previous 302 cases identified the previous week. Professional medical staff attribute the rising number of cases is possibly due in part to a new variant, known as Stratus or XFG.
Ireland’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) indicate that the proportion of Covid cases currently associated with this new XFG variant has begun to skyrocket, with figures soaring from 16.3% to 40.9% over the past 14 days.
While the symptoms are understood to be milder than what has been previously experienced, the World Health Organisation is reportedly categorising this new strain as a “variant under monitoring” and advise that same may spread more rapidly.
Once again, the HSE advice that if you exhibit any symptoms of Covid, you should stay at home for 48 hours after the symptoms have completely subsided. The HSE also advise individuals to avoid contact with other persons, particularly those who are more vulnerable to Covid. i.e. elderly or immuno-compromised persons.
The HSE are also reminding the public of the extensive list of Covid symptoms to be aware of. These include: Fever (high temperature). Chills – Dry cough – Fatigue (tiredness) – Shortness of breath (or breathing difficulties)– Loss of smell or taste – Nasal congestion – Conjunctivitis (red eye or pink eyes) – Sore throat – Headache – Muscle or joint pain – Skin rash – Vomiting/Diarrhoea – Chills or dizziness – Loss of appetite – Confusion and finally Pain or Pressure on the chest.
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