The Department of Public Health Mid-West has moved to make the public aware of an increasing incidence of influenza in the Mid-West region in recent weeks.
Flu season starts in October and ends in April according to the Deprtment, and the Mid-West trend is similar to what is taking place around the country.
Latest data suggests that the flu is now circulating in the community, and rates may rise more quickly in the coming weeks due to socialising in the Christmas season.
A spokesperson said the Department is advising people to avail of the flu vaccine in order to reduce the risk of severe illness.
“We are currently experiencing an earlier flu season, and we are concerned about the combined impact of COVID-19, influenza, RSV and other respiratory viruses.
“This will add increased pressure on hospitals and General Practice with increased attendances from patients who are ill. We are concerned about the negative and disruptive impact on healthcare settings e.g. nursing homes where an outbreak occurs.
“Flu is a highly infectious illness that affects all age groups and can result in serious disease and death for the most vulnerable, the elderly and those with weak immune systems.
“According to provisional data, there have been 101 flu cases in the Mid-West since the start of October, and 14 new cases in Week 47 (November 20-26).
“When we report on numbers of flu cases, it represents only a small fraction of what is actually present in the community. This is because patients in hospitals with flu symptoms are tested and a small network of GP practices across the country (sentinel practices) send a number of swabs every week on a sample of their patients who have flu symptoms.
“This allows us to identify when flu starts to circulate in the community and gather information on the strains circulating. Non-sentinel testing can be carried out when requested.
“The flu vaccine is safe, and effective in reducing the risk of serious infection and we recommend it both for adults and children,” the spokesperson concluded.
You can get a free flu vaccine if you are:
· aged 50 and older
· aged less than 50 with a long term illness that increases your risk of developing complications of influenza
· aged 2 to 17 years (This age group is offered the nasal flu vaccine)
· a healthcare worker
· pregnant
· living in a nursing home or other long-term care facility
· in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl