The HSE has said they have seen a sharp increase in the number of cases of influenza-like illnesses over the past couple of weeks.
The national health service also say the flu is mist likely to circulate over the next six to eight weeks. Speaking to RTE recently the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre director Dr Darina O’Flanagan said four people have tragically died as a result of flu this winter whilst a further 89 people have been admitted to hospital.
Dr O’Flanagan said she fully believes the above figures will significantly rise in the coming weeks. Dr O’Flanagan also advised people to get the flu vaccination as its not too late, saying the vaccine would cut down the risks of getting the illness.
Dr O’Flanagan said high risk groups should get the vaccine, as those aged 65 and over, people with a long-term medical condition and pregnant women are most likely at risk to the contract the illness.