Plea to get flu jab as cases soar

Older and illness-prone people were today urged to get the flu jab as cases reached an eight-year high.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) also warned that reported cases of flu-like illnesses are continuing to soar.

Rates have risen from almost 73 per 100,000 of the population in the last week of December to more than 100 per 100,000 over the past week.

This is the highest rate seen since the 2000/2001 influenza season, according to Dr Derval Igoe, a HPSC specialist.

“As influenza continues to circulate in the community, it is important that people in high-risk categories get vaccinated against influenza,” said Dr Igoe.

High risk groups include:

:: the over-65s

:: those with chronic illnesses such as lung disease, heart disease, and diabetes

:: people with lower immunity

:: children on long-term aspirin therapy

:: and care workers for high-risk groups.

Dr Igoe urged those in the high-risk categories to contact their GP to be vaccinated or for anti-viral treatment if they develop symptoms.

Others should take steps to stop the spread of the flu.

“Anyone who gets flu should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol to ease symptoms,” she advised.

“Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, disposing of the tissue as soon as possible and washing your hands with soap and water as soon as you can are important measures in helping prevent the spread of flu.”