Flu arrived early this year and a new strain of AH3N2 is contributing to a rapid increase with almost 2,000 cases reported last week including 418 hospitalisations, up from 213 in just seven days.
The vaccine takes around two weeks to kick in, providing best protection.
Dr Colm Henry, HSE chief clinical officer said, “We are seeing a rapid increase of cases of patients with influenza, including those needing hospitalisation. There has been an earlier start to the influenza season and we are concerned at the risk this presents to those susceptible to more severe disease.
“These include those over 60 years of age, those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised. It is imperative that those groups take action now to protect themselves now in order to get the protection they need.”
“According to the latest Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) figures, the heightened flu activity is largely attributable to the AH3N2 variant. HPSC modelling projects significant pressures on healthcare services in the coming weeks..
“Healthcare workers are among those more likely to get the flu given the environments in which they work. By getting vaccinated, healthcare workers are protecting themselves, and also their families and patients to whom they provide care.
“I urge people in these at-risk groups, as well as healthcare workers, to take urgent steps now to protect themselves and others. The flu vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective. Therefore the best time to get vaccinated is now, before rates of infection peak over the busy holiday period.”
Dr Eamonn O’Moore Director, HSE National Health Protection said that “people can also play an important part in helping break the chain of transmission and preventing the spread of infection.
“They can do so by following respiratory etiquette, such as covering coughs and sneezes, regular hand washing, and by staying at home when unwell. People with symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal infection are advised to stay away from healthcare settings until symptoms have resolved.”
The flu vaccine is strongly recommended and free for everyone aged 60 years and older,people with underlying medical conditions,healthcare workers (including students in healthcare and social care),all children aged 2-17 years,pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy),carers and household contacts of people at higher risk,residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities and people with regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl or pigs.
Dr Scott Walkin, the Antimicrobial and Infection Control Clinical Lead with the Irish College of GPs, said: “The winter flu season has arrived several weeks earlier this year, with a highly virulent new strain called H3N2 subclade K. H3 flu tends to be more severe than other types. Already even though the season is just starting, seven people have died, and admissions to hospitals have increased by 50pc in a week.”
The flu vaccine is available from GPs and pharmacies and free to those aged 60 or older, aged from 2 – 17, and if you are a healthcare worker or pregnant.
