COVID-19 in Summer 2024

DylanQuestion

With reports of another new variant, I’m interested to see how people are acting about Covid these days

1. Do you test for Covid if sick? If so, what symptoms do you consider “sick” enough to be tested for?

2. If you don’t test, what do you do if sick? Do you isolate until you are better for 48 hours like the HSE recommends? Even for sniffles?

3. If you test negative, do you isolate like above?

4. If you test positive, do you isolate for 5 days?

5. When have you last heard of someone you know having Covid? I last had it in November. I felt like I was on death’s door for 6/7 hours and then fine again. I texted due to aches and a fever. I isolated for 5 days, and wore a mask for 5 more

Princess Calla

I took Covid very seriously, did all the lockdowns etc etc.

Now we have to move on with our lives.

I will still pop on a mask for the rare occasions I'm visiting a hospital.

I can't remember the last time I took a test and I doubt I'd bother unless directed by medical staff.

If I just had sniffles I'd still be out and about....more likely hayfever anyway.

If I don't feel great , I'll stay at home, but wouldn't be doing a covid test, pretty basic stuff really.

Irish Aris

I still have covid tests and will test if I have a temperature as it is extremely rare for me to have higher than normal temperature.

Masks only on airports - a bit of "OCD" on my side here as both times I got covid was after such trips.

Ezeoul

Cases are on the rise. As of yesterday, Tallaght Hospital has imposed restrictions on visiting due to outbreaks of Covid and Norovirus.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/dublin-hospital-imposes-visitor-restrictions-amid-covid-19-and-norovirus-outbreaks/a1409317528.html

Thought I had it last week, but an antigen test was negative. However as someone else on the other thread pointed out to me, while a positive test means you do have covid, a negative test doesn't mean you don't.

Beechwoodspark

Covid is still circulating widely. I know many ppl who have had it recently. Most of them recovered from it after a week.

Housefree

Know loads with it now, fella in Aldi today with a mask on buying tests & telling everyone to stay away from him. If your at a social event over the next few weeks the chances of not catching it are slim

Mrs OBumble

If I stayed at home for 48 hours every time I sniffled, in this climate I'd be housebound from September to May!

I'll take whatever tests a medical professional says to take. And I'll stay at home without visitors if I'm sick - don't need a covid diagnosis for that to be common sense.

DylanQuestion

In my opinion (and my doctor’s), unless you feel too unwell to go out, you should only isolate for a fever. And chances are if you have a fever you’ll be too unwell regardless to go out. But if you have a cough or runny nose or sore throat but otherwise feel fine, I see zero reason why you’d need to isolate at home. It would be smart to mask if sick, especially on public transport. I only test for Covid if a doctor tells me, or I have a cough or fever. Basically, I’d do what everyone did prior to March 2020 other than wearing a mask if sick

However, I assume the vast majority of people don’t wear masks if sick, or do anything at all unless they physically can’t get out of bed. I also assume most people haven’t done a Covid test in a long time, nor has Covid even crossed their mind. I think the world is finally back to the way it was pre-2020, but with a lot of people more conscious of hand cleaning and mask wearing (which isn’t a bad thing)

Soc_Alt

I'm finished with Covid.

When I did catch it back in 2022 it felt like hay-fever except I lost smell and taste which is probably only 50% back.

I won't be testing ever again.

Moved on with my life.

fun loving criminal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122277940#Comment_122277940

Hope you have the decency to stay away from people when sick.

Ezeoul

I have to attend a clinic in TUH on Monday and will be seeking advice before attending, as my last vaccine was over a year ago and I'm still in a high risk category (diabetes plus respiratory) so I'll do what I can to protect my health.

If I do go, I will be going masked. Still have some N95 masks.

DylanQuestion

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122278422#Comment_122278422

What do you define as sick? Should you be isolating for a basic cold? What about just a tickly cough? Or do you mean fever and unwell?

lawred2

Amazing how giving something a name has people doing a whole raft of things that they wouldn't for a second consider doing for whatever else that would result in the exact same symptoms.

fun loving criminal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122278563#Comment_122278563

Did you learn anything during the pandemic? Covid can feel like a cold and tests are unreliable with symptoms.

DylanQuestion

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122279750#Comment_122279750

That didn’t answer my question. Also, the HSE website says isolate if you have symptoms *and* you feel unwell. Multiple doctors (whom I have no relationship with) have told me there is no longer a need to test, and the only time you should isolate is if you’re positive. Otherwise half the country would be isolating at any one time given everything is a symptom of Covid (e.g. runny nose, tiredness, achy, sore throat)

fun loving criminal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122279790#Comment_122279790

Sounds like the doctors are giving out the same HSE advice. You don't need to test, you isolate when positive and it also says isolate with symptoms. Ignore runny nose and whatever you want. But there's people going around with colds and flu on them. And it can take days to get a positive result with symptoms. Christ, what is it that people don't understand?

Ezeoul

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122279790#Comment_122279790

So, there is no longer a need to test, and you should only isolate if you're positive….

So how do you find out if you're positive, if you don't do a test? 🤔

When my daughter called for an appointment for her GP last week, the first question they asked was "have you done an antigen test".

DylanQuestion

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122280595#Comment_122280595

You don't need to test (the HSE also say this), but should you test (whether that be by choice or on a doctor's recommendation) and it is positive, you must isolate for 5 days, and be conscious of who you are around for another 5 (when I had Covid, I just wore a mask in work for the 5 additional days)

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122280399#Comment_122280399

Isolate with symptoms and feel unwell. I personally don't know anyone who would isolate for symptoms. In my office the past few days (full of older people and vulnerable people), people have come in with bad coughs and colds. And I imagine if I even asked had they tested they'd laugh at me. When I was in college during the pandemic, people would come in coughing. I was in a taxi in Dublin recently and the driver told me he is sick but took an antigen test just in case and it was negative. I know doctors who go to work sick and wear a mask. Prior to March 2020, no one would even think of isolating for a cold (essentially what Covid is now, even if for some people it's a bad cold) unless they couldn't get out of bed, and the world didn't stop spinning.

Ezeoul

deleted.

Soc_Alt

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122278422#Comment_122278422

I continue on with my life like any other day if the week.

fun loving criminal

Covid will never ever be a cold. It damages every organ in the body. It passes the blood brain barrier. It causes lymphocytopenia. It is more similar to HIV. It weakens your immune system. Repeated infections are bad and the more infections, more chance of long covid.

fun loving criminal

I'll leave this here. There's no such thing as a mild SARS-COV-2 infection.

https://x.com/ChrisCuomo/status/1803231742708306205?t=qMOJ84bn8_p51VtGi7cKcQ&s=19

sunbabe08

i totally forgot about covid actually until i saw people on the bus today wearing masks. Guess i need to wear a mask again

TT rainbows

just coming to end of day 5 of covid infection. Started with cold like symptoms but fever,high temp meant nothing like a cold. If you could go to work like this then fair play to you.
No incentive for me to take time off work but can't work and staying in room.
Taking parecetmol reduced fever a bit until chills and shaking start again when effects wear off.

Wife had it before me and I hoped with general health and vac's there'd be chance I'd skip it. Tested negative on antigen test first day with mild fever and general feeling tired and crappy. But then positive next morning. Fever stopped now but Weak and feeling a bit battered. People who say it's just like mild cold and get on with it are lucky or naieve. Flirt variant popular around the world now with infectious waves in several countries.

StevenToast

I had a high temperature for a couple of days this week...the wife had a few covid tests lying around from a couple of years ago....i took one and low and behold - I tested positive.....

After dodging it for 4 years I finally caught it.....

My wife was slagging me saying I had the 'Man flu' earlier in the week....now shes pìssed off at me!

Overall, its just like a flu...the main symptoms were gone after 48hours and I am not too bad now....

Ash.J.Williams

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122277097#Comment_122277097

That is weird

Ash.J.Williams

I'm currently a patient in tallaght hospital. Ti's quiet on the wards. I believe there are tricolour whack jobs outside making conspiracy videos. Lockdown is for covid and vomiting bugs neither I wish to get

odyssey06

From the Journal.

THERE WERE OVER 1,000 confirmed cases of Covid-19 confirmed in Ireland last week, a 60% increase on the week before. The Health Surveillance Protection Centre (HSPC) said that indicators continue to show moderate to high levels of Covid-19 transmission.

The number of people hospitalised as a result also increase by 56% in the same period, with 486 hospitalisations reported, compared to 321 the week before… Admissions of people to ICU stayed stable, however, with just 25 patients in intensive care units with the disease.

The main Covid variant in Ireland is the JN.1. Prevalence of the KP.3 variant is also increasing as cases rise.

https://www.thejournal.ie/covid-19-increase-in-cases-6420175-Jun2024/

DialecticAspirations

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122308836#Comment_122308836

Just goes to show it's still a serious health issue!

If you're over 80 years old.

LastApacheInjun

ugh. I have come down with a sore throat, painful cough and temp this morning.

We’ve no Covid tests left, and honestly I’m not bothered about going to get one. It probs covid as my husband was out with co workers two weeks ago who all came down with it. My husband got very mild symptoms four days later, and then my son has been basically coughing into my face for the past week.

I’m taking the day off work and then WFH tomorrow. By next Monday I should be alright and will be back in the office on Monday.

odyssey06

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122308958#Comment_122308958

Or if you have a vulnerable condition.

Or you live \ take care with those people.

Or you've involved in providing critical medical care.

Apothic_Red

I was the last to catch it in our house. Wife & son's had heavy coughing, went on almost 2 weeks. Anyway, workmate now accusing me of infecting him & his household the week before their holidays. Aer Lingus also let him down so I'm staying out of his way. I had a 2 day head cold this time, no worse than before. Perhaps I should have worn a mask maybe he caught it somewhere else.

DylanQuestion

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122309006#Comment_122309006

We have learned a lot from Covid about how best to help those who are vulnerable and their families. Pre-pandemic, if I was sick, I wouldn’t think twice. About the only public health measure I had in my head was to cough and sneeze into your elbow not your hands. Post-pandemic, I will wear a mask if sick and sanitize (as I did last week when sick). I think everyone should do that, but I don’t expect anyone to either. The onus is on you to look after yourself as best you can, not others. I developed contagion OCD from the pandemic, pretty severe too. I don’t mind going out sick, but I have a fear of going on a plane sick. So when I went on holidays a few weeks ago, prior to the holiday I wore a mask in public, and then wore a mask on the plane. What if I had gotten sick? That’s not my fault. But it also isn’t the fault of the person who got me sick. It’s life. Germs and viruses are a necessary evil for building up our immune systems. Your immune system will be weaker if you aren’t exposed to them, and a mild virus could end up killing you that you otherwise would have been able to fight off. People going outside sick and mingling sick is important for society - so far as you’re not too unwell to, actively positive for Covid, or not taking the basic precautions like hand washing.

The NHS website says that unless you feel unable to do so, you should continue your routine as normal with the symptoms of a cold. My research (i.e. Googling for extended periods of time) online has shown me doctor after doctor saying to wear a mask if you feel sick but able to go about your day as normal. My doctor said this to me too, and last time I saw him in his clinic he had a cough and runny nose. Hell, even the HSE website for Covid says if you have symptoms AND feel unwell. Are they all wrong? The NHS, my doctor and other doctors I’ve asked, even the HSE?

DylanQuestion

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122309005#Comment_122309005

What is your plan outside of work. If you feel well enough, will you socialise this weekend, or go shopping?

odyssey06

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122311176#Comment_122311176

Not sure how that really relates to my post?

I agree with a lot of what you say there but I think you go too far / dubious in places.

Our immune system does not do well with constant infections, especially as we age. Thats not good either. A balance ia needed.

If exposure to germs and infections made for a top immune system then 19th century mortality rates from infectious disease should be tiny. Instead we see the opposite. Vaccines and hygiene were needed to make the difference.

And with covid we see it hitting in summer wave. No respite unlike flu.

I would also add, I have seen people coming into office, before they should, while infectious. Acting the martyr. Consequence - taking out successive members of the team.

It was a bad idea pre covid and even worse now . Not good for productivity, not good for that person as it delays their full recovery nor the colleagues.

DylanQuestion

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122311231#Comment_122311231

Maybe I misinterpreted your point, sorry. As for constant infections, that wasn’t the case pre-Covid so I don’t see why it would be now

Out of interest, which parts did you agree with?

odyssey06

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122311236#Comment_122311236

My original point was that covid isnt just a serious issue for over 80s.

How do you know it wasnt the case about constant infections? It may well have been but it is more of an issue with covid with more frequent waves.

https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/covid-19-study-suggests-long-term-damage-immune-system

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-risky-are-repeat-covid-infections-what-we-know-so-far/

If the view you expressed of the immune system was correct we wouldnt have needed vaccines and hygiene in the 19th century to reduce deaths from infection as they would had optimal immune systems from all the exposures. There is a limit to what it can do.

The points about how you approach travelling I agree with, the emphasis on isolating when infectious. You can have a cough post viral without being infectious. But the issue / my concern is that too many people will interpret the advice you quote to go out with symptons ewhen infectious.

DylanQuestion

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122311271#Comment_122311271

For your first point, you’re right. I’m just going off what my doctor said, and I’m sure to an extent it’s true, but not as widely applicable as I suggested

I don’t think you should isolate when infectious as there is no way of knowing when you’re infectious. You can be infectious without symptoms, or before symptoms. By that logic, we should be isolating all the time, or at least masking all the time, for fear we are infectious at any time

I think, and the NHS, HSE, and multiple doctors I have spoken to, you shouldn’t feel it is compulsory to isolate if sick, unless you’re unable to continue your normal routine. I think common courtesy you should wear a mask, and if have Covid symptoms test. During a pandemic, things are different. But in these endemic or normal times, I don’t believe anyone should be made to feel they need to isolate. We got on fine before Covid not isolating, and we will after. I personally think the after should include a mask when sick and testing, but I’m not going to judge someone for not wearing one or testing. If you’re vulnerable, you need to take the precautions to keep yourself safe, it’s not up to others to (even if personally I would take steps to do so)

odyssey06

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122311305#Comment_122311305

Granted it can be hard to tell if infectious. However if testing positive, sneezing all over the place, coughing crap all over the place, temperature - those are signs you are. I think isolation should be more strongly recommended / set as a societal norm.

Rushing yourself back with those symptoms is a recipe for lingering post viral issues. Not doing yourself any favours in long run.

A lingering dry cough post infection or fatigue is different to the above.

And I woud emphasise the point your immune system aint going to get any stronger from repeated covid infections. It doesnt need that. Vulnerable or no. The evidence suggests the opposite. And every infection is a roll of the dice that could lead to post viral symptons / long covid.

Thats why I disagree with your statement... we got on fine before covid. Well tbh I dont think we really did if we had looked more closely at it. But with Covid we wont, thats what the data says to me.

DylanQuestion

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122311390#Comment_122311390

I think we are potentially discussing different things. I don’t mean you should go out it positive. If you have a cough, go out with a mask if you feel well enough. Same with a sneeze. If you have a temperature, you’re not going to feel well enough to go out anyway. But if you’re positive, don’t go out unless you’ve finished your 5 days. The HSE told me when I had it that you can test positive for weeks, so once you’ve finished your five days you’re good to go so long as you’re fever free.

Likewise, I’m not saying rush yourself back. I’m saying if you have symptoms and feel well, go out as normal (as the HSE and NHS say)

And as for the immune system point, I mean general bugs and colds. Repeated Covid infections is bad, yes, but that’s not what I mean. You could argue any potential sickness is Covid, but if that’s the case why does the government no longer provide public PCRs and allow for the sale of antigen tests? If the only result that matters from an antigen test is a positive one due to the potential for a false positive, what’s the point of even doing one in the first place. Even at that, I am the only person I know personally who will still consider doing a test for symptoms. Anyone who I’ve asked has laughed at me, and said they’ll assume it’s a cold and live life like normal unless they can’t

crusd

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122281061#Comment_122281061

Please stop spreading this misinformation. Sars-CoV2 is like any other corona virus. The reason it had such an impact on some people is because it was a novel virus that the immune system had not seen before. Now that most / all of our immune systems have been primed to the virus both through infection and vaccination the severe effects will become much rarer. Similar rare side effects occur with other coronaviruses and with influenza type viruses.

Hooked

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122277940#Comment_122277940

this. times 1000.

DylanQuestion

The NHS website on Covid-19:

“Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you or your child have symptoms and either have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities”

Are the NHS wrong? Is the UK falling apart at the seams with infection and deaths?

Anyway, that’s the last I’m posting here.

Enzokk

Woke up earlier the week feeling like I had been in a minor car accident with whole body aches (I guess) and had a fever (40C at one point). Had a Covid test handy and was positive. Getting over it now as per the timeline and hope to be able to get back to work next week. Worried about long term effects but that is not something I can do much about so will just have to hope I get lucky. Would not wish anyone to have the same as I had, while not debilitating, did not feel well for the first 48 hours or so.

Seeing as we do not have clogged hospitals it is clear the disease is not as severe as it was before but it is still not nice to get at the moment and we just don't know the future ramifications so will not treat it as if it is nothing. Basically don't be an idiot. If you are sick, whether it is covid or just something you ate, keep away from others until you are well. It is just common decency and good manners not to spread whatever germs you have around to others. The name of the disease should not be of consequence to follow common sense practices and health advice.

fits

I’m currently down with it I presume. Husband tested himself as he wanted to visit elderly parents but had symptoms and antigen was positive. He shouldn’t visit with symptoms anyway. Test or no test. I haven’t tested and won’t bother as we have no tests left.

Mainly head cold, aches and pains, sore throat and brain fog. No fever

I’m avoiding people but not staying at home as kids are fine and need to be taxid around of course.

fun loving criminal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122312879#Comment_122312879

Better tell these guys to update their info so. Tell them it's just a cold and no big deal.

https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/blood-disorders/white-blood-cell-disorders/lymphocytopenia

crusd

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122313800#Comment_122313800

Jesus Christ. Do you even read what you link

fun loving criminal

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122313827#Comment_122313827

Thanks for pointing out that the flu is also serious.

fun loving criminal

Just the part about testing positive for weeks. That's with PCR testing. Antigen tests, the tests you use at home, you remain positive and contagious as long as you test positive on the antigen tests. Normally longer than 5 days as well.

DylanQuestion

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122313800#Comment_122313800

I’m confused. It says HIV can cause chronic lymphocytopenia. It says Covid can cause temporary lymphocytopenia. That means they’re similar? By that logic, assuming I’m understanding you right, the flu is similar to HIV?

DylanQuestion

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122313903#Comment_122313903

If it’s longer than 5 days, why does the government not change the isolation period for 5 to longer? And why is it 3 for kids? And why can’t you stop isolating once you have a negative PCR? Even ignoring that, I had Covid in November when the only choice for testing was either antigen testing or a very expensive private PCR (the latter is which I went for btw). The HSE individual on HSE Live told me that I had tested positive, and that I had no need to do another test again and isolate for 5 days. I’m assuming she said that based on official guidance and not off her own back

Btw, not meaning to gang up on you or say you’re wrong, just genuinely curious