Influenza activity has peaked but still remains high in Ireland
People in at-risk groups are still urged to get vaccinated against influenza, as the number of reported cases of flu in Ireland remained high in the past week and influenza-like illness (ILI) activity remained at medium levels.
ILI rates have decreased to 66 per 100,000 population during week 2 2020 (week ending January 12th 2020) from 82 per 100,000 (updated) during week 1 2020 (week ending January 5th 2020). Influenza A (H3N2) is the predominant influenza virus circulating in the community, with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B also circulating at lower levels. Influenza viruses are expected to circulate for at least the next 4 to 6 weeks. During week 2 2020, GP influenza-like illness rates increased in those aged 65 years and older and decreased in children.
The number of influenza hospitalisations decreased slightly at 609 cases during week 2 2020 compared to 662 hospitalised influenza cases in week 1. The highest hospitalisation rates were seen in those aged 65 years and older and in children aged less than five years old. To date this season, 2,707 hospitalised confirmed influenza cases have been reported to HPSC, the majority due to influenza A. Ninety-four confirmed flu cases have been admitted to critical care units, the majority due to influenza A. Eighty-two influenza outbreaks and 44 influenza-associated deaths have been reported to HPSC to date this season. The majority of the deaths have occurred in persons aged 65 years and older.
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 10 years and older. 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.
As ILI rates are now at medium levels, 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 the 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.
- 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.