Just returned from 2 week trip to Galway and Dublin, late March to early April. After about 5 days in Galway started coming down with cold and flu like symptoms and by the time we reached Dublin was really sick. Went to their version of Urgent Care in Dublin and Dr. diagnosed me with the flu. He also told me it is running rampant throughout the country. Just wanted to pass this along as I had no idea that this was going on there. Not saying it would have prevented me from going, but at least I might have brought some N95 masks or over the counter flu medicine from home as a precaution.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
8515 posts
I am so sorry this happened to you on vacation. Not fun to be sick, especially on vacation. I wonder about their vaccination rates though I believe I heard that this year's vaccine wasn't a great match. Were you vaccinated?
We were in Australia in January. Within three days of arrival I had a bad virus that in retrospect may have been influenza or Covid. In my case, it was likely I got it on the plane.
You might consider putting together a little first aid kit for travel. I always have ibruprofen, acetiminophen, antihistamine, and various meds for tummy issues. I also as a matter of practice bring N95s. Its much less practical on a long flight, but on shorter flights if I'm seated by people that seem to have symptoms, I'll throw on a mask.
Posted by
OP
19 posts
Hi Jules M. Yes I got the flu vaccine in October 2025. In fact the Dr I saw in Dubln told me this is a new strain that is not really protected by this season's flu vaccine. Definitely good advice on your first aid kit. Last few trips overseas I have gotten a little complacent as previously I used to pack N95 masks. Yes its no fun getting sick abroad.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
8515 posts
You can get tiny ziplock bags on Amazon that I use. I think at least 20 pills fit in them.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
4181 posts
Sorry your trip was sidelined with the crud. I was recently sick with a bad cold and my provider told me that there has been a recent surge in flu and a particularly contagious strain of COVID. As Jules noted, a few OTC meds can get you through until you see a doctor or pharmacist. A good reminder to stay vigilant. Hope you're feeling better in any case.
Posted by
Western Canada
4216 posts
I’ve just had it here in W. Canada.
It took me a month to feel better.
Lost my voice during it and had to quit my choir as I could not produce a note.
Looking it up, I think it was a new variant of influenza A not covered by the last vaccine.
It was truly horrible!
Keep well away from anyone who has this.
Posted by
619 posts
Keep well away from anyone who has this.
And anyone who has this, please keep it to yourself.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
5364 posts
My sympathies with those who have gotten sick on trips. It's bad enough being sick at home, but in another places it would be so much worse. I get every other shot known to man but not the flu shot. It seems that the formulation is seldom the same as the virus that is circulating, because the formulation is just their best guess, made months before they know which virus will be circulating this year.. It was quite striking that flu was not a problem during Covid when everyone was wearing masks.