tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
FIVE children are in intensive care following a major flu outbreak across the country.
One toddler has already died this year from the flu which has also claimed the lives of three elderly people in the past week.
Health officials are warning that it is posing a particular risk to the over-65s.
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is urging people in at-risk categories, including the elderly and pregnant women, to get the jab.
Reports confirm flu rates have increased from 20.5 to 32.4 per 100,000 of the population over the last few weeks, a statement from the IPU said.
Eight flu deaths have so far been confirmed since mid-January and the spread of the virus is continuing to increase.
Swine flu is one of the dominant strains circulating since the start of winter and is responsible for three of the deaths.
http://www.herald.ie/news/five-children-put-in-intensive-care-by-flu-outbreak-30030245.html
One toddler has already died this year from the flu which has also claimed the lives of three elderly people in the past week.
Health officials are warning that it is posing a particular risk to the over-65s.
The Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) is urging people in at-risk categories, including the elderly and pregnant women, to get the jab.
Reports confirm flu rates have increased from 20.5 to 32.4 per 100,000 of the population over the last few weeks, a statement from the IPU said.
Eight flu deaths have so far been confirmed since mid-January and the spread of the virus is continuing to increase.
Swine flu is one of the dominant strains circulating since the start of winter and is responsible for three of the deaths.
http://www.herald.ie/news/five-children-put-in-intensive-care-by-flu-outbreak-30030245.html