KILLER FLU STRAIN CLAIMS LIVES OF 38
»»112 in critical »»Call for those care over virus at risk to get jab
A KILLER flu strain has claimed the lives of 38 people this winter, the HSE revealed yesterday.
The shocking figures also showed 112 confirmed flu cases have put patients into critical care units and the majority of deaths have been among those aged over 65.
The highest hospitalisation rates continue to be seen in those aged under five, and to date this season there has been 2,083 people hospitalised due to influenza.
Dr Kevin Kelleher, assistant national director at Health Protection, said: “Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze, disposing of the tissue as soon as possible and cleaning your hands as soon as you can. These are important measures in helping prevent the spread of influenza and other germs and reducing the risk of transmission.
“Anyone who gets flu should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol to ease symptoms.
“Anyone in one of the high-risk groups should contact their GP if they develop influenza symptoms.
“If you need to visit your GP or the Emergency Department, please phone first to explain you might have flu.”
The HSE added it is still not too late to get the flu vaccine, particularly for those in high-risk groups.
The current jab remains a good match Influenza bug for the circulating influenza viruses, with preliminary results from Canada and Hong Kong where influenza A is the dominant circulating virus indicating good effectiveness.
It is also recommended anti-virals be considered for the treatment and prevention of flu in at-risk groups. Meanwhile, attendances for patients aged over 75 decreased by 3.7% last week compared to the same period last year.
Patient waiting times are at a similar rate to the same week last year with 96% of all patients passing through EDS within 24 hours and 56% of patients over the age of 75 passing through within nine hours.