'Flu is now circulating'

HPSC urges high-risk categories to get vaccinated as flu is now circulatingThe HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre today (Friday) urged people in high-risk categories to get vaccinated against influenza, as the number of reported cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) indicate that flu is now circulating.The ILI rates for the week ending 16th December was 24.9 cases per 100,000 population which is above the threshold used to access influenza activity. The threshold for the 2012/2013 influenza season is 21 cases per 100,000 population"Influenza is now circulating in the community, it is important that people in high-risk categories get vaccinated against influenza," says HPSC director, Dr Darina O'Flanagan."High-risk groups are:The over 65sPregnant womenPeople, including children, with chronic illness requiring regular medical follow-up such as chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, and diabetesThose with lower immunity due to disease or treatment, including those who have had their spleens removedChildren or teenagers on long-term aspirin therapyResidents of nursing homes, old people's homes and other long stay facilitiesHealth care workers and carers of those in risk groups."Health professionals should use antiviral drugs for the treatment or prevention of influenza in high-risk groups."The symptoms of influenza usually develop over a matter of a few hours and include a high temperature, sore muscles, dry cough, headache and sore throat. This is different from the common cold, which tends to come on more gradually and usually includes a runny nose and a normal temperature."Anyone who gets flu should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol to ease symptoms. People in high-risk categories should contact their GP if they develop influenza symptoms."Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, disposing of the tissue as soon as possible and washing your hands with soap and water as soon as you can are important measures in helping prevent the spread of flu," added Dr O'Flanagan."The increase in ILI occurred in all age groups except in those aged 65 years and over and was most pronounced in the 5-14 year age group. To date this season, influenza B has been the dominant influenza virus detected with influenza A also circulating. The latest flu report is available athttp://www.hpsc.ie/hpsc/A-Z/Respiratory/Influenza/SeasonalInfluenza/Surveillance/InfluenzaSurveillanceReports/ILI rates give an indication of the overall level of influenza activity in Ireland and are reported by selected GPs as part of a surveillance system jointly run by the Irish College of General Practitioners, the National Virus Reference Laboratory and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.