Influenza activity remains at low levels in Ireland
Influenza activity remained at low levels in Ireland during week 11 (week ending March 17th 2019) and remains below baseline levels for the third consecutive week. Community flu activity remained stable with the sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate at 14 per 100,000 population during week 11 compared to the updated rate of 12.6 per 100,000 population reported during the previous week. Influenza activity peaked in Ireland in week 5 (week ending February 3rd). In week 11, there was a higher proportion of influenza A(H3N2) in circulation but numbers are small. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 was the dominant virus in circulation during this flu season. Very little influenza B is circulating. It is expected that influenza activity will continue to circulate at low levels in the coming weeks.
The highest hospitalisation rates continue to be seen in those aged less than 5 years old. To date this season, 2,714 hospitalised confirmed influenza cases have been reported to HPSC, the majority due to influenza A. One hundred and twenty one confirmed flu cases have been admitted to critical care units so far this season with the majority due to influenza A. The highest ICU admission rates are in adults aged 65 years and older and children under one year of age. There were five influenza outbreaks reported during week 11 with 57 influenza outbreaks in total reported this season. To date this season, 59 flu related deaths have been reported to HPSC, the majority occurring in those aged 65 years and older.
It is still not too late for people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated against influenza. The current vaccine remains a good match for the circulating influenza viruses. Preliminary results from Canada, Europe and Hong Kong where influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 is in the main the dominant circulating virus this season indicate good influenza vaccine effectiveness.
Influenza vaccine
The influenza vaccine is available free of charge from GPs for all people in at-risk groups, and from pharmacists for everyone in at-risk groups aged 18 years and over. An administration charge may apply to people who don’t hold medical cards or GP visit cards. At-risk groups for the vaccine 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, neurodevelopmental disorders and diabetes
- Those with lower immunity due to disease or treatment and all cancer patients
- 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.
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.
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, www.undertheweather.ie.
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 sanitiser
- DO cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve. Germs won’t spread through your clothing
- 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.
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.