KILLER AUSSIE FLU WARNING AS 10 IRISH DIE
Elderly & children most at risk from the deadly strain of virus
THE HSE is urging people with flu symptoms to stay indoors as the “Aussie” strain of the illness has claimed its first Irish victims.
The H3N2 virus, which was responsible for hundreds of deaths in Australia last summer, has already claimed a number of lives in Ireland with children and the elderly said to be most at risk.
It’s thought the latest death toll is less than 10.
Despite the alarming rates, HSE spokesman Dr Kevin Kellegher said “99%” of people who contract it will be able to “look after themselves” by staying at home.
He added: “There are deaths every year that happen directly as a result of flu, which account for about 18 to 20 fatalities.
“On average there are about 400 to 600 deaths a year which are associated with flu indirectly.
“These are people who may have died because of heart disease linked with flu.
“The most important thing is that if people think they’ve got it is to stay at home and look after themselves.
“The vast majority of people – 99% of cases – can look after themselves at home.”
Dr Kellegher said the HSE has reported 73 people have been hospitalised by flu so far this winter, with 19 of those being admitted last week. The influx has resulted in Health Minister Simon Harris coming under fire as hospital waiting lists have also rocketed by 60% in the past 12 months.
Fianna Fail health spokesperson Billy Kelleher blasted Mr Harris and said managers should have expected an increase in demand for services.
He said: “In the majority of cases, this flu, while serious, can be treated at home.
“However, there will always be more severe cases, which will need acute medical intervention.
“There are a number of hospitals across the country, whose emergency departments are at breaking point. “If a predicted surge in
serious flu cases comes to pass, these departments will struggle to cope.
“I am calling for assurances from Minister Harris and the HSE that we are fully prepared to deal with any possible outbreak, and that a management plan and resources are in place to control the situation.”
The mutant virus has been blamed for hundreds of deaths in Australia as more than 170,000 cases were recorded, with vaccines only having a limited effectiveness.
Medical experts claim the strain could be even more dangerous than the 1968 flu pandemic that killed more than a million people worldwide.
If people have it, just stay at home and look after yourself
DR KEVIN KELLEGHER HSE YESTERDAY