Ireland is on heightened alert following Japan’s declaration of a nationwide influenza epidemic, sparking concerns that the virus might replicate similar global patterns, reports The Mirror.
The outbreak, revealed on October 3, arrives five weeks ahead of schedule. Within a single week, more than 6,000 individuals received treatment for flu – twice as many as during the corresponding period last year. Over 100 schools and childcare centers had to shut down, with Okinawa recording the peak number of infections, reports The Mirror.
Several Asian nations, such as Singapore, Thailand and India, have likewise noted surges in influenza, dominated by the H3N2 variant.
Ireland is experiencing a clear uptick in flu incidents. The previous week saw 41 reported cases, rising from 25 the week prior. In the meantime, RSV cases doubled from nine to 18, while Covid infections dropped from 524 to 427, per the most recent data from Ireland’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre, reports The Mirror.
Specialists have cautioned that Japan’s premature spike could indicate an emerging trend of flu propagating more rapidly and sooner than in past years. Yoko Tsukamoto, a professor at the Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, told the South China Morning Post: “The flu season has started really early this year, but in the changing global environment this might become a more common scenario,” reports The Mirror.
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) stated: “Indications from the Southern Hemisphere suggest that this winter could bring a severe flu season in Ireland. Many countries have reported high prevalence of flu and increased hospitalisations. In addition, flu season began earlier in several regions further highlighting the importance of getting vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Last year’s flu season saw over 27,000 confirmed cases. More than 6,500 of those necessitated hospital admission, including 243 in intensive care and 330 tragic deaths linked to the disease, reports The Mirror.
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Influenza transmits readily via droplets from coughs and sneezes. Common symptoms encompass fever, tiredness, cough, sore throat, headaches, reduced appetite, diarrhoea, vomiting and overall fatigue.
Per the HSE, serious complications may involve pneumonia and encephalitis, particularly among young children, adults over 60, pregnant women and those with pre-existing health issues. The virus peaks in contagiousness during the initial five days and can linger on surfaces for up to 24 hours, reports The Mirror.
The IPU is urging the public to receive the flu vaccine promptly this season. Mike Walsh from the IPU’s Pharmacy Contractors Committee said: “Flu is a highly infectious illness that can cause serious infection. While most cases peak between December and January, the best protection comes from getting vaccinated early in the season. This allows immunity to build before the virus begins to circulate widely.
“Flu vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection and can also lessen the severity of flu-related illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus infections. Because flu viruses change each year, it is vital that people update their vaccine annually to ensure protection against the latest strains.
“Older people, pregnant women, children, and those with compromised immune systems are at much higher risk of developing complications from flu. Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect them and reduce pressure on our health services,” reports The Mirror.
Children aged 2 to 17 can access the complimentary nasal spray flu vaccine at pharmacies across the nation. Mr Walsh added: “Each year, more people are turning to their local pharmacy for information and to access the flu vaccine. Pharmacists are medicine experts and provide a convenient, accessible and trusted vaccination service in every community across Ireland. We urge everyone to talk to their pharmacist and protect themselves and their families against flu this winter.”
To curb flu transmission, the HSE recommends frequent handwashing with warm water and soap, covering coughs and sneezes with tissues followed by immediate disposal, and steering clear of close proximity to others when unwell, reports The Mirror.
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