Influenza activity increasing in Ireland
People in at-risk groups are urged to get vaccinated against influenza, as the number of reported cases of influenza in Ireland has increased in the past week.
Based on recent influenza surveillance data, influenza is circulating in the community in Ireland. The number of confirmed influenza cases notified to HPSC has increased in the past week, with 283 confirmed influenza cases notified in week 49 (week ending December 10th) and 172 cases reported in week 48 (week ending December 3rd). During week 49, 2023, influenza increased in almost all age groups but mainly in those aged 0-4 years. The median age of influenza cases reported in week 49 was 33 years (over one sixth of cases were aged ≥ 65 years). The overall influenza positivity reported from the National Virus Reference Laboratory is 7.4% for weeks 48 and 49 2023.
Since October 2023 (season to date), 826 confirmed influenza cases have been reported to HPSC. During week 49, 97 hospitalised confirmed influenza cases were reported with 265 hospitalised influenza cases notified for the season to date including three confirmed influenza cases admitted to intensive care units.
Seventeen outbreaks of confirmed influenza have also been reported to HPSC so far this season. All three influenza subtypes, influenza A(H1)pdm09, influenza A(H3) and influenza B have been notified to HPSC this season.
The influenza-like illness (ILI) rate was below the Irish baseline ILI threshold of 18.1 per 100,000 during week 49 (week ending December 10th, 2023) at 10 per 100,000 population and week 48 at 4.8 per 100,000 population. However, ILI rates have increased during week 49 to 32.4 per 100,000 in children aged 0-4 years compared to 4.8 per 100,000 in week 48 and are showing increases in all other age groups during week 49.
The latest flu report published each Thursday is available on the HPSC website.
Influenza vaccine
The influenza vaccine is available free of charge from GPs and pharmacists for all people in at risk groups. An administration charge may apply to people who don’t hold medical cards or GP visit cards. At-risk groups for the influenza vaccine are:
- All those aged 65 years and older
- All those aged 2 to 17 years
- People with chronic illness requiring regular medical follow-up such as chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, chronic neurological disorders, neurodevelopmental 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 at-risk groups
- Those in regular contact with pigs, poultry or waterfowl
See national immunisation website for the risk groups at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/getting-the-vaccine/
Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing infection by seasonal influenza viruses and can reduce severe disease that can lead to hospitalisation and death. The vaccine takes two weeks to take effect once received.
As influenza levels are now increasing, it is recommended that antivirals be considered for the treatment and prevention of influenza in at-risk groups.
What do you do if you have flu-like symptoms
Anyone who gets flu should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol to ease symptoms. Advice, tips, information and videos on getting over flu and other common illnesses are available at a new HSE website at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/common-illnesses/
When to seek help
Adults
If you are in an at-risk group with flu symptoms OR if you are not in an at-risk group but your flu symptoms are severe or getting worse you should contact your GP. GPs may wish to prescribe antivirals for those presenting with influenza in the at-risk groups. If you need to visit your GP or the Emergency Department, please phone first to explain that you might have flu.
Children
If your child has flu and their symptoms are severe or last for more than one week contact your GP. Please phone first to explain that they might have flu.
Respiratory Hygiene
Covering your cough and sneeze can stop the spread of germs that make people sick.
- DO use a tissue and place it immediately in the bin. Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer.
- DO cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve.
- DON’T cough or sneeze into your hands. You’ll end up spreading germs to everything you touch.
Posters and social media resources for respiratory hygiene are available to download from the HPSC website.
Influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultation rates give an indication of the overall community levels 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.
The weekly influenza surveillance reports and further information on influenza and flu vaccine are available on the HPSC website.