Winter brings a lot of nice things including Christmas and sales but it also brings some not-so-nice things, namely colds and flu infections. This week the Health Service Executive reported a sharp rise in the number of cases of flu-like symptoms. According to RTÉ News, the organisation said that the virus is likely to circulate in the next six to eight weeks. HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre director Dr Darina O’Flanagan told Morning Ireland that four people have died and almost 90 others have been admitted to hospital because of the flu this winter. This is why she is encouraging people to get the flu vaccination now, particularly those in high-risk groups (people aged 65 and over; pregnant women; and those with long-term medical conditions). If you have any further questions or want more information on the vaccination, please consult your doctor.