Influenza activity continues to increase in Ireland
People in at-risk groups are urged to get vaccinated against influenza, as the number of reported cases and hospitalised cases of influenza in Ireland has increased further in the past week.
This influenza season, the highest number of influenza cases has been notified in adults aged 65 years and older and children aged 0-4 and 5-14 years.
Influenza surveillance in Ireland
Based on recent influenza surveillance data, influenza viruses are circulating in the community in Ireland. The number of confirmed influenza cases notified to HPSC has increased in the past week, with 631 confirmed influenza cases notified in week 50 (week ending December 17 2023). This is over double the number of cases (n = 283) that were reported in week 49 (week ending December 10 2023). During week 50 2023, influenza notifications increased in all age groups, with the highest number of cases in those aged 65 years and older (n=171). The influenza positivity rate (for sentinel GPs) reported by the National Virus Reference Laboratory increased and was 14.7% for week 50 2023, compared to 12.7% during week 49 2023.
Since October 2023 (season to date), 1,457 confirmed influenza cases have been reported to HPSC. During week 50, 191 confirmed influenza cases were hospitalised. There have been 454 confirmed influenza cases hospitalised for the season to date.
Twenty-three outbreaks of confirmed influenza have been reported to HPSC so far this season.
All three influenza types/subtypes have been detected in Ireland this season - influenza A(H3), influenza A(H1)pdm09 and influenza B.
The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was 9.5 per 100,000 population during week 50, which is below the Irish baseline ILI threshold of 18.1 per 100,000 during week 50 2023. ILI rates were highest in children aged 0-14 years during week 50 at 10 per 100,000.
The latest influenza surveillance report is published each Thursday 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.
Antiviral medications for influenza
As influenza levels are now increasing, it is recommended that antivirals be considered for the treatment and prevention of influenza in primary care settings.
Those with flu who are eligible for treatment with antivirals include patients in clinical at-risk groups, as well as any patients who are at risk of severe illness and complications from flu if not treated. This includes people in clinical at-risk groups who present with symptoms of flu and those who have been exposed to flu-like illnesses from someone they live with, including residents of nursing homes.
As has happened in flu seasons before the pandemic, an alert has been issued notifying the healthcare system that antiviral medicines can now be prescribed for cases of community acquired influenza.
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.