COVID-19 cases are starting to rise in Ireland again

It's unsurprising to see more people contract colds, flus, and Covid-19 as we enter the colder months of the year.

The HPRC has noted a significant rise in Covid-19 cases in Ireland, and this is largely due to a transmissible strain spreading in Ireland.

The Stratus (XFG) has accounted for 76.1% of recorded infections in the first week of September, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

This is a stark rise from the previous six weeks, where the Stratus strain accounted for 49.3% of infections across the country.

The key signs of Covid-19 include a fever, a dry cough, and fatigue.

However, Dr Kaywaan Khan told Cosmopolitan UK that there is one unexpected symptom people are suffering from.

Dr Kaywaan Khan explained, "One of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice."

Other signs of Covid include a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

People may also have a runny nose, sore throat, a headache, aches and pains, or conjunctivitis.

Lesser-known signs include different types of skin rash, nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea, chills, or dizziness.

Do I still need to isolate if I have signs of Covid-19?

According to the HSE, those who feel ill and have symptoms of Covid-19 should stay at home until 48 hours after their symptoms are mostly or fully gone.

You should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid.