Flu season: Just under 9,000 flu cases in Ireland so far this year

That brings the total cases to 8,906, which represents a jump of 5,291 when compared to the figures for the same period in 2022.

The HSE has rolled out a free flu vaccination scheme as part of their autumn-winter campaign.  It is recommended for:

• People aged 65 and over; 
• People who have a long-term health condition;  
• Healthcare workers; 
• Pregnant women. 

There has also been a steady rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) over recent weeks, with a further 730 cases recorded up to November 25 — bringing the total so far this year to 4,212.

RSV is a common virus that causes coughs and colds and is the main cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in very young children.

Almost all children get RSV by the time they are two years old and it usually spreads in winter and early spring.

Most symptoms of RSV are mild, such as a runny nose, coughing and sneezing. People usually recover within two to three weeks without treatment or the need to see a GP.

Earlier this month, a Children’s Health Ireland expert explained that parents who are concerned should ‘cocoon’ their children.

Consultant in paediatric emergency medicine Paddy Fitzpatrick said: “While seasonal RSV is circulating at a high level, my advice to people looking after very small infants, under three months in particular, is to try to cocoon them and avoid having them in large crowds.”

Flu and covid vaccines

Meanwhile, 401 people have received their first Covid-19 vaccine dose in the last six weeks. The free jabs are part of the HSE’s autumn-winter campaign, which began on September 19.

Data published by the HPSC shows that, from that date to Monday morning, 620,497 vaccinations were administered to those that qualify.

While the majority have been booster vaccinations, the HPSC figures show that 401 people received their first vaccine, with a further 199 receiving a second dose.

Covid vaccines have been available in Ireland since December 2020. Since then, nearly eight million covid vaccines have been administered.

Breaking down the data reveals that the largest number of doses given was of the third booster dose — with 234,708 people receiving that in the last six weeks.

There have been a total of 1,725,026 cases of Covid-19 recorded in Ireland since the first case in February of 2020.

As of Monday morning, the rolling weekly average is 69 cases being recorded per week. The highest number of cases recorded in one day was 363 on January 17.

The covid autumn winter booster vaccine is recommended for:

• People aged 50 and over; 
• People who have a long-term health condition; 
• Healthcare workers; 
• Pregnant women.  

The initial covid vaccination is available to all.

Recent studies by the HPSC say that, between December 2021 and March 2023, the vaccination programme prevented 87% of deaths, 81% of hospitalisations, and 89% of ICU admissions that would have been expected to occur in the absence of vaccination.