FLU RATES ARE on the rise in Ireland, the HSE is warning.

Its Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) is now urging people to get vaccinated against influenza, saying that the number of reported cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) in Ireland has increased in the past week.

ILI rates have risen from 15.5 per 100,000 to 29.0 per 100,000 population during the second week of January and are now above threshold levels which means that flu is actively circulating in the community, according to HPSC director, Dr Darina O’Flanagan.

“Although flu is starting to circulate, flu levels currently remain relatively low.  Despite this, we have had a number of confirmed influenza outbreaks, mainly in residential facilities for the elderly and disabled.  Influenza is expected to increase over the coming weeks and circulate for at least the next 6-8 weeks. Prevention is better than cure, and the increase in flu activity means it is even more important to get your flu jab if you are in an at-risk group. 

At-risk groups are:

–        All those aged 65 years and older

• People including children with chronic illness requiring regular medical follow-up such as chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, chronic neurological disorders, neuro-developmental disorders and diabetes
• Those with lower immunity due to disease or treatment

–        All pregnant women. The vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy.

–       Those with morbid obesity i.e. Body Mass Index ≥ 40

• Residents of nursing homes, old people’s homes and other long stay facilities
• Health care workers and carers of those in risk groups.

“Most people, unless they are in an at risk group, can get better themselves at home.  Advice, tips, information and videos on getting over flu and other common illnesses are available at a new HSE website, www.undertheweather.ie.  

The symptoms of influenza usually develop over a matter of a few hours. Seasonal flu (also known as influenza) is a highly infectious illness caused by the flu virus.

The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains.

You may also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a dry cough. You may need to stay in bed until your symptoms get better.

Symptoms of influenza include:

• A high temperature
• Sore muscles
• Dry cough
• Headache
• Sore throat

 This is different from the common cold, which tends to come on more gradually and usually includes a runny nose and a normal temperature.

Seasonal flu is a very common illness that occurs every year, usually during the winter months (October to April in Ireland

Anyone who gets flu should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol to ease symptoms. Anyone in one of the high-risk categories should contact their GP if they develop influenza symptoms.  GPs may wish to prescribe antivirals for those presenting with influenza in the high risk groups.

Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, disposing of the tissue as soon as possible and cleaning your hands as soon as you can are important measures in helping prevent the spread of germs and reducing the risk of transmission.
ILI rates give an indication of the overall level of influenza activity in Ireland and are reported by selected GPs as part of a surveillance system jointly run by the Irish College of General Practitioners, the National Virus Reference Laboratory and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. There is international evidence that someA(H3N2) viruses appear to have drifted antigenically from the A(H3) virus strain used in the 2014/2015 influenza vaccine although this does not change the recommendation to vaccinate groups at risk of developing severe influenza symptoms. Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing infection by seasonal influenza viruses.

“Although flu is starting to circulate, flu levels currently remain relatively low,” “Despite this, we have had a number of confirmed influenza outbreaks, mainly in residential facilities for the elderly and disabled. Influenza is expected to increase over the coming weeks and circulate for at least the next 6-8 weeks.”

If you’re in one of the high-risk categories, you should contact your GP if you develop influenza symptoms.

Yearly flu vaccination is the best way to protect against influenza. Influenza vaccine is available from you GP.

Source: www.hse.ie                                                                                                        www.hpsc.ie