People are being urged to get vaccinated against the flu amid a surge in hospitalisations.
The HSE has warned that the number of cases has doubled in the space of just a week and that it is mostly older adults and children who are impacted.
Over 400 people have been hospitalised so far this year and GP Dr Illona Duffy said the figures are slightly higher than in the same period last year.
“That’s of concern to the hospitals because we’re moving into a period over Christmas when we always see rises in hospitalisation,” she said.
“It’s not only flu we’re seeing rising - we’re seeing RSV go up as well and that affects not only children but adults.”
Top-up your child's protection this flu season. The nasal spray flu vaccine is safe, effective and available for children aged 2 to 17.
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— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) December 2, 2024
Flu vaccines are available and can be booked via the HSE’s website.
It takes between 10 and 14 days to develop immunity and the protection lasts until the next flu season.
“We know that a certain element of vaccine fatigue has probably crept in over the years since COVID,” she said.
“Many people are feeling, ‘Well, I’ve had enough vaccines - do I need another?’
“We’re talking to patients who are saying, ‘I only want to get the flu, I don’t want to get the COVID booster but I’m afraid if I go I’ll be forced to get both.’
“Any vaccine is better than no vaccine and, very definitely, when we’re seeing rising flu rates in the community, then go get your flu vaccine - either from your pharmacy or from your GP.”
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➡️ tummy bugs that cause diarrhoea, such as norovirus
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➡️ COVID-19
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— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) November 26, 2024
Dr Duffy said she can usually tell which of her patients have the flu when they walk through the door of her practice because they “feel so awful”.
“What differentiates flu from flu-like illness? The big thing is it tends [to be] quite a sudden onset,” she said.
“You’re feeling fine and then literally within a couple of hours, you feel like you’ve been run over by a bus.
“Aches and pains; people are saying their fingers are sore, their toes are sore, temperatures, headaches.
“They may have a dry cough and are just generally feeling unwell.”
Eligibility
Many people in Ireland are entitled to a free flu vaccine and Dr Duffy said most of these people are particularly vulnerable.
“Anyone over 60, anyone who is under 60 who has underlying healthcare problems or lives with someone who has underlying healthcare problems,” she said.
“So, by that I mean, anyone with asthma should be getting it, anyone with bronchitis, diabetes or kidney problems.
“Anyone who is pregnant, we’re actively encouraging those who are pregnant to get the vaccine because they’re also deemed high risk.”
Children aged between two and 17 are also eligible for a free flu vaccine.
Main image shows a person getting vaccinated. Picture by: PA Wire/PA Images
