Irish hospital hit with Covid-19 outbreak on wards after town hosted huge music event – here's 14 symptoms to watch for
COVID BATTLE Irish hospital hit with Covid-19 outbreak on wards after town hosted huge music event – here's 14 symptoms to watch for
STAFF at Wexford General Hospital are currently battling an outbreak of Covid-19 on the wards.
The 280-bed hospital has been hit with an outbreak of the virus for the second time in the space of two months.
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Wexford General Hospital has an outbreak of Covid-19 on the wards
Credit: Crispin Rodwell - The Sun Dublin
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There are no visiting restrictions being put in place following the outbreak
Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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It comes just after Wexford hosted huge crowds for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann last week.
It has been reported that several people felt ill during the festivities or in the immediate aftermath and later tested positive for Covid.
In a statement today, Wexford General Hospital confirmed it is "managing" the outbreak, which is impacting some of its wards.
Services at the hospital are not affected and management confirmed that visiting is being permitted at this time.
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However, it was confirmed that the situation will "remain under review".
A spokesperson said: "Wexford General Hospital asks members of the public not to visit the hospital if they are experiencing respiratory and/or COVID-19 symptoms.
"The wearing of masks may be required in areas of the hospital.
"Visiting will be in accordance with hospital visiting hours other than in exceptional compassionate circumstances.
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"We kindly ask visitors to avoid congregating in hospital corridors, waiting areas or the hospital entrance.
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"Wexford General Hospital thanks you for your co-operation and understanding at this time."
Management said these measures are "temporary but necessary" to safeguard the health of patients, staff and visitors.
As of this morning, there were 210 people hospitalised with Covid-19 and nine people with the virus who are fighting for their lives in ICU.
A new variant of the virus, the XFG variant which is also known as Stratus, comes with easy-to-miss symptoms and signs.
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Latest figures from Ireland's Health Protection Surveillance Centre shows an increase in Covid cases associated with the XFG variant.
SYMPTOMS TO WATCH
The new symptom comes in the form of a hoarse or raspy voice which often comes before the typical Covid symptoms.
Dr Kaywaan Khan, founder of Hannah London Clinic, told Cosmopolitan UK: "One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice."
The HSE is reminding people of the usual symptoms to be aware of alongside this new addition, including:
High temperature
Dry cough
Fatigue
Loss or change to sense of smell or taste
Runny or blocked nose
Conjunctivitis
Sore throat
Headache
Muscle or joint pain
Different types of skin rash
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhoea
Chills
Dizziness
Symptoms of severe Covid-19 include shortness of breath, loss of appetite, confusion, pain or pressure in the chest and a fever.
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You may not have all of the symptoms or your symptoms may be mild.
If you have any symptoms of Covid-19, you should stay home until 48 hours after your symptoms have largely or completely disappeared.
You should also avoid contact with others - especially those who are more vulnerable to the illness.
If your child is aged three months or less and has COVID-19 symptoms, phone your GP.
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