The flu death toll so far this winter is 24, according to latest figures from the HSE. There were 24 direct deaths from flu reported to the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) between October and the end of last week. The HSE’s public health specialist, Dr Kevin Kelleher, said it is the fifth worst flu season since records began in 2000. Dr Kelleher said the flu season will continue to put pressure on acute hospitals in the coming weeks. Dr Kelleher said the flu death rate appears similar to previous years at this stage.

Source: Irish Examiner January 19, 2018 00:11 UTC