COVID-19 Symptoms: New Wave Signs & Rising Cases

Covid is on the rise again, with the number of reported cases more than doubling since May, the health authority confirmed this weekend.

The HSE confirmed three new strains of the virus are now circulating.

The most recently available figures show 509 new cases were detected last week, with almost half of those infected (203) hospitalised. One person was admitted to intensive care.

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A HSE spokesman told the Irish Mail on Sunday: ‘There has been an increase in confirmed cases of Covid since late May with weekly fluctuations in numbers since.

‘This increase is not unprecedented, and overall activity is below that of previous summers, including summer 2024.

‘The increase is likely driven by a number of factors including waning population immunity following a winter with low [Covid] circulation, increasing social activity and variant emergence.’

In recent weeks, three new variants – 1.8.1, XFG and LP.8.1 – have been detected.

However, experts yesterday said that none of these variants poses a serious risk to the public.

Immunologist Professor Liam Fanning told the MoS: ‘In essence, there’s no impact on transmissibility, no impact on previous immunity, and there appears to be no increase in the severity of disease.’

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The University College Cork professor said the HSE’s numbers indicate ‘percentage infection is more or less stable – it’s a minor uplift’, and there is ‘no increase in the rate of hospitalisation’ with the new strains.

He added: ‘So on the whole, it looks like the three variants are really not much of a concern at the moment.

‘Those individuals in the at-risk groups should consider the HSE’s advice and, if offered a vaccine, consider taking it as part of their overall healthcare management package.

‘But of course it is not the flu. That distinction is relevant. Flu-like symptoms are caused by a range of viruses.’

Up to 41% of the new cases detected are the XFG strain, with 1.8.1 and LP.8.1 accounting for 20% and 8% of new Covid cases, respectively. Meanwhile, the HSE has advised anyone with even mild Covid symptoms to stay at home for 48 hours after their symptoms have gone.

And this weekend, the health authority reminded people of the importance of regular hand washing, as well as covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.

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The signs and symptoms to watch out for

Covid symptoms include a high temperature, dry cough, tiredness, aching joints and muscles as well as headaches, with more seriously ill people experiencing chest pain and breathlessness.

The health authority has urged people with Covid to avoid contact with high-risk groups such as the elderly, the very young and those with underlying health conditions.

And with the autumn and winter months just around the corner, the HSE has advised people to avail of flu and Covid vaccines when they become available soon.

A spokesman said: ‘To protect ourselves, vulnerable adults and children in our lives and to support our health and care services, it is really important that we do everything we can to reduce the spread of infection. This includes having the Covid and flu vaccines during autumn/ winter if you are eligible.

‘Other things we can all do are to stay away from work, care homes and hospitals and from very young or older people if you have flu-like symptoms or symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea, for at least 48 hours after you are symptom-free.’

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