Children under four ‘at most risk from flu’

CHILDREN under the age of four are at most risk from a potentially fatal flu virus, according to figures released yesterday.

Parents are being urged to be vigilant after a steady rise in the number of children being presented to doctors suffering from the flu.

Figures from the National Disease Surveillance Centre show there has been an increase in the number of children being treated over the past few days, a majority of whom are under the age of four.

Gerry Connors, an 18-month-old child from New Ross in Co Wexford, died last week from the most severe strain of the virus at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Dublin. It is understood he died from multi-organ failure.

The weekly flu report shows the number suffering from the virus is at its highest in two years.

In the week ending November 16, 73 influenza-like illness cases were reported from sentinel general practices, or a consultation rate of 81.2 per 100,000 population. This was an increase from 72.7 per 100,000 the previous week.

The flu bug develops much faster than the common cold. Typical symptoms include high temperature, aching limbs, chills, sore throat, muscle pains and headache.

The vaccine being used offers 70%-90% cover and prevents those most at risk from getting a severe dose of the virus.

Influenza viruses are divided into three main types, A, B and C.

“Influenza A generally causes the most severe form of the disease,” said Dr Robert Cunney of the National Disease Surveillance Centre.

“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,” he said.

“The National Virus Reference Laboratory has confirmed that the main strain circulating in Ireland is an influenza A (H3N2) Fujian-like strain. The same strain is circulating in other European countries, including Britain. This strain is slightly different to the influenza A (H3N2) Panama-like virus, which has circulated in Ireland and other European countries over the past few years. The current influenza vaccine contains the Panama-like virus and is considered to offer some protection against the Fujian-like strain and good protection against other strains that may also circulate.

“The symptoms of influenza infection 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. Persons who are in one of the high risk categories should contact their GP if they develop influenza symptoms,” warned Dr Cunney.