Flu continues to spread widely, following peak in December
Flu is still spreading widely in all regions in the community
- To prevent passing the flu on to others, stay at home if you are unwell
- There is still time to get your flu vaccine at participating GPs and pharmacies
- HSE strongly encourages all healthcare workers to get their free flu vaccine
- If you or your family feel unwell, there are care options. For more information on getting the right care from the right place visit www.hse.ie
Flu cases peaked before Christmas, but the virus is still spreading widely in the community, according to new data from the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). The majority (63%) of hospitalised flu cases during week 1 (last week) were aged 65 years and older.
The highest number of cases this winter season to date was recorded in those aged 65 years and older and less than 15 years, with an increase in older adults currently.
Flu vaccination significantly reduces hospitalisations by preventing severe illness and lowering the risk of serious complications. To date this season, 76% of ICU admissions due to flu had not received the current seasonal influenza vaccine.
Influenza A(H3N2) is the main flu virus circulating this season.
For the latest data and information on flu, visit:
Respiratory Virus Notification Data Hub
HPSC - Integrated Respiratory Virus Bulletins
Protect yourself and others
It is important we all take action to ensure we protect ourselves, our loved ones and each other from infection at this time of year when levels of flu and other respiratory viruses are increasing. HSE advise everyone to:
- Stay at home if you are unwell. Your friends, families and colleagues would thank you for doing the right thing.
- If you have symptoms, please do not visit vulnerable relatives/friends/neighbours and particularly do not visit nursing homes or hospitals for social visits when ill.
- If you are unwell and need medications, try to send someone else to collect your medicines from the pharmacy.
- If you are ill and need to attend your pharmacist, GP or hospital you should wear a mask if you can.
- Hospitals and care settings may require you to use masks when visiting even if you are well - this will be guided by local risk assessment in the setting.
- There is no general call for public to use masks, but some people may wish to do so in crowded indoor spaces- e.g. on public transport and in busy public spaces (shops, churches/places of worship) especially if they are poorly ventilated. They may be the case especially for people who are vulnerable.
- When using a mask - use it properly and dispose of in waste bin.
By following these steps, we can protect ourselves, our loved ones and each other.
For more information about the flu vaccine, including where to get it, visit www.hse.ie/flu