The number of Covid cases being reported in Ireland have increased “quite considerably” as well as the number of people hospitalised with the virus in recent days, according to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.
While giving an update on the rising caseload, Mr. Donnelly also warned that this winter will likely be a difficult one for patients and healthcare professionals who are now preparing for the worst.
According to new figures, as of 8am on October 4, 290 people have tested positive for Covid via PCR testing, and an additional 710 have logged their positive at-home tests online.
READ MORE: New Covid symptom overtakes fever and loss of smell as next wave sweeps across Ireland
There are now 409 people receiving treatment for the virus in hospitals nationwide, which marks an increase of 82 people over the last seven days.
A further increase is now likely as Mr. Donnelly warned that officials are also anticipating a "bad flu season".
Despite this worry, the Minister vowed that they are putting the necessary resources in place, and said he has full confidence in the HSE winter plan as well as this year’s Covid plan.
Donnelly went on to appeal to the public to get their Covid booster and a flu vaccine when they are due one in order to protect themselves and the wider community as well as to "help hospitals" too.
You can get your Covid-19 booster and flu vaccine at the same time. If your child is aged 5 to 11 and has a weak immune system, you will be contacted with an appointment for your child, so you do not need to do anything.
If you were vaccinated in another country, you can phone HSELive on 1800 700 700 to get a booster appointment.
If you are aged 70 or over and not living in residential care, you will be invited to get your vaccine by your GP - but some GPs refer patients to a vaccination centre.
The latest advice comes as a new dominant symptom is being reported.
Professor Tim Spector, the co-founder of the Covid ZOE app, says that people who now get the previous presiding symptoms rule out having Covid completely, according to Mirror UK.
The new symptom associated with Covid is a sore throat and two-thirds of all people now report having one when they first contract Covid.
Prof Young told The Independent: “Many people are still using the Government guidelines about symptoms which are wrong.
"At the moment, Covid starts in two-thirds of people with a sore throat. Fever and loss of smell are really rare now – so many old people may not think they’ve got Covid. They’d say it’s a cold and not be tested.”
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