People across Merseyside are reporting coming down with a bug that "feels like covid but isn't", with many people taking ill in the run-up to Christmas.
With the bitterly cold weather, viruses appear to be on the rise again. Social media is full of people sharing their misery over bugs, with dozens reporting sickness today alone.
TV writer Daran Little tweeted: "Anyone else down with something that feels like covid but isn’t???", and he was inundated with responses. His tweet has now had thousands of likes, shares and replies.
READ MORE: What is the cold snap actually doing to your body?
Locally, a similar illness has been reported in Aigburth, Southport, Huyton and Formby. One woman said: "Wiped out, the fatigue is real and I keep coughing. If I wasn't testing negative [for coronavirus] daily I'd swear it was that".
Posting in a Formby-based Facebook group, one social media user said they had a cough they "could not shift", but it wasn't covid. Another said: "Coughing and wheezing all week, sneezing and aching all over and I am exhausted but two negative tests."
Dr Rob Barnett, a local GP and Secretary of the Liverpool Local Medical Committee (LMC), told the ECHO: “We always see an increase in colds and other winter illnesses at this time of year, but for most people, symptoms will get better without treatment, or with medicines readily available from local pharmacies, and they don’t need to see a GP.
“If you need advice on how to manage your symptoms at home, speak to your local community pharmacist. If your symptoms worsen and you don’t know what to do, call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk, they can direct you to the right care, and book you an appointment with a healthcare professional if needed.
“It’s also important to be up-to-date with your covid vaccinations, and if you’re eligible for the autumn booster and flu vaccines, book these as soon as possible to help you stay well this winter.”
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