Health Service Executive (HSE) figures show the number of people attending GPs with flu-like illnesses is at its highest level since 2010, the year after the H1N1 virus outbreak. So far this season, 55 people have died from influenza, the clear majority of whom were over 65, many with underlying illnesses. The flu season which has proved particularly severe this year and in late 2017 is expected to run for a further seven weeks. DecliningIn week four of the current season, ending last Sunday, there were 318 cases of people being hospitalised. there is probably a level of immunity there.”The highest rate of hospitalisation cases were over 65 years of age, followed by those under one year.

Source: The Irish Times February 01, 2018 21:45 UTC