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The HSE is calling on people to seek immediate medical attention if they develop particular Covid symptoms, as the virus remains active across Ireland. Fresh figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) reveal 352 new Covid cases were documented nationally in the past week, a decrease from 446 the previous week. The majority of infections are now attributed to the XFG (Stratus) variant, which represents 71.4% of all confirmed cases. Dublin recorded the greatest number of fresh cases (106), with Cork following at 41 and Wicklow at 21. Conversely, Longford registered zero new cases, whilst Carlow, Cavan, Laois, Mayo and Westmeath each documented two. The World Health Organization has designated Stratus as a "variant under monitoring", observing that whilst it doesn't seem to trigger more serious illness, it transmits more rapidly than earlier strains - a trend mirrored in Ireland's most recent Covid data. Simultaneously, influenza and RSV infections are climbing, with 119 flu cases verified last week (rising from 41 a fortnight ago) and 40 RSV cases, more than twice the 17 logged the week prior, reports the Irish Mirror. The HSE has reminded the public to remain vigilant for 18 potential Covid symptoms:. Whilst most individuals recover independently without medical intervention, the HSE is cautioning anyone who feels their condition deteriorating to respond swiftly. The official guidance states: "Call a GP or out-of-hours GP immediately if your symptoms of Covid get worse and you start feeling very unwell, particularly if your breathing changes, becomes difficult, or your cough gets worse; or if you feel that you are getting increasingly short of breath; or if you are showing signs of dehydration." The HSE also emphasised: "Call 112 or 999 if you are very short of breath and cannot reach the GP service." Those suffering from a high fever are advised to "contact your GP if you have a very high fever (over 40C) and you are still feverish after three days of home treatment or seem to be getting sicker; or if you are shivering or shaking uncontrollably, or have chattering teeth, and it does not stop within an hour or so; or if you have a severe headache that does not get better after taking painkillers; or if you are getting confused or are unusually drowsy." Regarding dehydration, the HSE advises: "Contact your GP if you have been dehydrated and are now drinking regularly or are using oral rehydration sachets and you are feeling unusually tired; if you are confused and disorientated; if you have any dizziness when you stand and it does not go away; if you have not peed all day; if you have a weak or rapid pulse have fits (seizures)." The HSE is reminding those with Covid to remain at home until 48 hours after symptoms have largely or completely disappeared. The current Ireland Covid guidance states: "If you have any symptoms of Covid and feel unwell, you should: stay at home until 48 hours after your symptoms are mostly or fully gone avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid. You do not need a Covid test unless a GP or health professional tells you to."
