Outbreak may hit A&E services, warn nurses
The National Disease Surveillance Centre (NDSC) says the outbreak is of Influenza A, a severe form of the virus which may have emanated in Fiji.
The INO says the latest estimates are that between 10% and 40% of the population may be struck down by the bug and that this would result in the standing down of all elective work in certain hospitals.
The NDSC has again urged people in high-risk categories to get vaccinated against influenza.
High-risk categories include the over 65s:
people with severe illness such as chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease and diabetes
those with lower immunity due to disease or treatment, including those who have had their spleens removed
children or teenagers on long-term aspirin therapy
residents of nursing homes, old people’s homes and other long stay facilities and health care workers.
“The rate of cases has risen to an estimated 70 cases for every 100,000 people over the past week, the highest rate reported in Ireland for this time of year since influenza surveillance began in 2000,” according to NDSC clinical microbiologist, Dr Robert Cunney.
“Influenza viruses are divided into three main types, A, B and C. Influenza A generally causes the most severe form of the disease. Different strains of influenza virus circulate worldwide every year and the influenza vaccine is updated each year to cover the strains that are likely to cause infection during the coming influenza season, usually from November to April,” Dr Cunney added.
The National Virus Reference Laboratory has confirmed that the main strain circulating in Ireland is an influenza A (H3N2) Fijian-like strain.
The current influenza vaccine contains the Panama-like virus and is considered to offer some protection against the Fijian-like strain.
“Persons who are in one of the high risk categories should contact their GP if they develop influenza symptoms,” said Dr Cunney.
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