The question most patients are asking in surgeries this week is, "have I got the flu ?" Large numbers have been struck down with what some people are referring to as "the real millennium bug". In fact, most of us do not have influenza but a severe viral illness which is flu-like in its effects.
There is some influenza A around - a spokesman for the Virus Reference Laboratory in UCD says it has isolated more than 20 cases of influenza from samples sent in by doctors around the State. "This probably represents just the tip of the iceberg," he adds. However, the influenza activity is still within normal seasonal limits.
Figures from Britain confirm this view, where the latest estimates by the Royal College of General Practitioners show flu cases still within seasonal limits at 25-100 cases per 100,000 people.
The cases isolated by the Virus Reference Laboratory have been confirmed as the H3N2 subtype of influenza A. This is good news for patients who availed of the autumn flu vaccine as this is one of the strains included in this season's shot. So the elderly, and others with chronic illness, can at least be assured that the vaccine will help protect them from the current flu strain.
The other viruses, which account for most of the demands on medical services this week, are at the severe end of the spectrum. Patients are complaining of profound muscle ache, cough, headache and sore throat. Most people are managing to get to doctors' surgeries, which they would certainly be unable to do if they were struck down by influenza A.
The treatment for this bug is similar to that of full-blown influenza. Paracetemol, a good fluid intake, cough suppressants and rest are the order of the day. Rest is especially important - trying to battle the infection on your feet is likely to prolong the dose as well as contributing to its spread in the community. A couple of days' bed rest will repay the investment of time with a quicker recovery.
Some people may go on to develop a secondary bacterial infection following the initial viral one. They may require antibiotic treatment, but it must be emphasised that this applies to a minority with prolonged symptoms. For the majority, a couple of days' TLC should see them over the worst of this seasonal infection.
Flu symptoms invariably strike suddenly. Do not try to fight them: go to bed and stay there. Take plenty of fluids (non-alcoholic) and regular paracetemol. If your symptoms do not begin to settle within 48 hours or you have another serious medical condition, contact your family doctor for advice.