The HSE has issued an update on the amount of people who have died from this year's flu.
It has confirmed that 55 people, including children, have died as a result of the virus. Most cases were of people over 65 years of age. In total, 1,785 people have been hospitalised, with 920 of them in the older age bracket.
Director of Public Health South East, Dr John Cuddihy, has urged people in the 'at risk groups' to be careful as the flu season could continue for a further 10 weeks. He said:
"The at risk groups should still avail of the flu vaccine. Healthcare workers, people over 65 and people with chronic illnesses particularly."
The HSE has said the following people are considered 'at risk', and should get the vaccine before it's too late:
- 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.
If you are worried that you or your child may have the flu, the HSE advises that you should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol to ease symptoms.
If symptoms persist or worsen, then you should go to the doctor. For children, the HSE advises to phone the GP after a week of the symptoms to get advice on how to proceed.
