Horrible cold dubbed ‘worst lurgia ever’ is spreading in UK: symptoms and what to do

A horrible, hard-to-move cold is spreading across the country, with some complaining that it’s the “worst lurgy they’ve ever had.”

Many people report that an illness that is particularly difficult to move is unfolding as the nights get shorter and temperatures start to drop.

This winter has been expected to see an increase in colds and flu for some time due to many more people socializing largely unrestricted for the first time since March 2020.

Read more: A best Welsh doctor’s take on what to expect from this year’s flu season

Prime Minister Mark Drakeford on Friday admitted he was “very worried that there will be a higher circulation of the flu this year”. You can read more of what he said as we head into the winter months here.

Symptoms of lurgia can be similar to those of a cold or flu, and NHS guidelines say that if you have mild illness, the illness can be managed at home.

However, due to the prevalence of Covid-19, which continues to circulate in the UK, it is important to exclude it due to the fact that many of the symptoms are the same.

ZOE, the world’s largest ongoing study on Covid-19, said: “A negative side flow test result is not reliable enough to be sure you are certainly not infected, so if your symptoms persist, it is best to do a PCR test to be sure. “

Symptoms and what to do

NHS guidelines say symptoms of a cold or lurgia should be treated with:

• rest and sleep
• Keep warm
• drink plenty of water (fruit juice or squash mixed with water is okay) to avoid dehydration
• gargling with salt water to soothe a sore throat (not suitable for children)

However, you should see a general practitioner if:

• your symptoms do not improve after 3 weeks
• your symptoms suddenly get worse
• your temperature is very high or you are hot and you have chills
• you are concerned about your child’s symptoms
• you feel short of breath or develop chest pain
• you have a long-term health problem – for example, diabetes or heart, lung, or kidney disease
• you have a weakened immune system – for example, because you are undergoing chemotherapy

The guide also says that you can avoid catching a cold by washing your hands regularly with lukewarm water and soap, not sharing towels or other household items with someone who has a cold, and keeping fit. and healthy and avoiding touching your face.

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