Ireland experiencing busiest flu season in eight years

Ireland is reportedly experiencing its busiest flu season since a formal surveillance system was introduced eight years ago.

Reports this morning say flu rates among 15-64-year-olds rose to 121 per 100,000 last week, while rising infection rates are also being reported among the over-65s.

In the first week of January, the infection rate among over-65s was 52 per 100,000.

The outbreak is putting pressure on hospitals across the country and health experts are advising people in at-risk groups to get themselves vaccinated.