The Health Service Executive has said that the influenza vaccine given to people this year is for a different strain of flu than what is expected.
Speaking at the Oireachtas Health Committee recently, the Director General of the HSE, Tony O'Brien, said we are seeing a "first spike" in flu cases and are on particular alert for a period of about eight weeks.
The HSE's latest flu surveillance shows that rates have increased for the first time this season, but the levels are still low.
Three deaths associated with influenza have been reported so far this season.
People in at risk groups such as those over 65 and children with chronic illnesses are being urged to get the vaccine.
Symptoms of flu usually develop over a number of hours, and include a high temperature, sore throat and a dry cough.
The HSE says the vaccine is available free of charge from GPs for all people in at risk groups, and from pharmacists for everyone aged 65 and over.
No comments:
Post a Comment