Mystery lurgy spreading across Yorkshire - 'People have never been so sick'

Residents in Yorkshire have increasingly been experiencing covid-like symptoms but say they are continually testing negative for the virus.

The past two Christmases saw Covid cases spike during the height of the pandemic, but people are reporting a different kind of illness.

Colds, respiratory illnesses and flu are more common during the winter months, however residents in Yorkshire have said they cannot get rid of their colds.

One said they’ve even gone through two sets of antibiotics and steroids and still don’t feel better.

Becky Watson said: "I'm on my second month's now. Two different lots of antibiotics, one course of steroids and it still hasn't shifted."

Rachel Fox-Allen added: "Started the year with Covid. Ending it with whatever this is. "[It] feels like a really really bad cold - sore throat, runny nose, streaming eyes, aches, blocked sinuses, absolutely shattered, and that cough.

"Had it for a few weeks mildly but it's taken a rough turn this last few days. Sleep and a good decongestant seem to be helping. But this is life."

According to government data, the number of people testing positive for Covid went up by 17.2 per cent in the seven days up to December 10 compared to the week before.

Research by YorkshireLive revealed that hundreds had shared symptoms similar to Covid but had been repeatedly testing negative.

Philip Butterworth said: "I had it for four weeks. Strangely enough I never really at any time felt ill. What I did have was this horrendous cough and gunge on the chest. Could not get under it to clear myself.

"After the first day I called the quacks who said you sound bad but no appointment for 2 weeks. Ended up phoning 111, had a course of antibiotics but did not clear it up. Any how it's gone now tested several times for Covid. All negative. Good luck if you have it. Lots going down with it."

Karen Humphreys added: "Absolutely floored me this last few days, can’t seem to shake it off. Covid test clear but feel absolutely rotten, take care everyone."