Sharp increase in Covid-19 leads to appeal to protect the vulnerable

Covid-19 is circulating in our communities, leading to increased pressure on a health system that is already stretched beyond capacity.

As of 8am on Tuesday, August 8, there were 16 patients with Covid-19 in Letterkenny University Hospital, and 23 in Sligo University Hospital. Nationally, there were 378 people in hospitals who had tested positive for Covid-19. 

It is feared that a lack of awareness of the current prevalence of the virus could result in people not realising that they could have the condition. 

And the number of cases being recorded could be well short of showing the actual spread.  This is because many people are not doing tests or are getting a false negative result on a home testing kit. 

Sometimes it can take a few days after symptoms appear for antigen (home) tests to show a positive result, so even if a first test is negative, it is advised to test again. Furthermore, antigen tests are less reliable than PCR tests being used in hospitals, and may show a negative result even when the virus is still contagious. 

This unfortunately means that many people with Covid-19 do not realise they have the virus and therefore are not isolating. And they may not realise that they need to seek medical advice until they become quite ill.

Medical professionals are reporting a notable level of respiratory problems with the current strain.

Dr Áine McNamara, Area Director of Public Health Area F said: “In the past week, there was an increase in Covid-19 cases nationally, a 22% increase in cases and 19% increase in hospitalised cases. 

“While spending time with family and friends, it is important that if you are feeling unwell to avoid meeting those who are vulnerable to protect them from illness. 

“Keeping up to date with your vaccines is the most important thing you can do to avoid serious COVID-19 illness.”

The latest HSPC report shows that people in the 75 to 84 age group have the highest incidence of reported cases. 

The ambulance service is under a lot of pressure at present, with the high number of people in Emergency Departments leading to delays in patients being offloaded from ambulances at high volume times.

JJ McGowan, General Manager Operations West with National Ambulance Service said: “We continue to prioritise calls so the most seriously ill or injured receive the quickest response. 

“Please consider all your care options because non life-threatening calls will have longer wait times. In an emergency always call 112/999.”

Around the country, events such as debs balls and other large gatherings are being cancelled or scaled back in order to stem the spread of Covid-19. While this doesn’t seem to be the case in Donegal yet, people are being encouraged to be vigilant and to isolate if they have symptoms. 

The current guidance from the HSE for people testing positive for Covid-19 is to isolate for five days.

According to the HSE: “It's OK to leave home after five days if you still have a mild cough or changes to your sense of smell. These can last for weeks after the infection has gone.”

Those with positive tests are advised to stay away from vulnerable people for ten days from the appearance of first symptoms. 

People are advised to phone their GP if they feel very unwell, their breathing changes or becomes difficult, or a cough worsens. Those with positive tests or who suspect they have Covid-19 are asked not to go to their GP or pharmacy in person.

Anyone who is very short of breath should call 112 or 999.