News: Influenza B now dominant subtype circulating as flu activity at ... - Health Protection Surveillance Centre

Published: February 23, 2023

Based on recent influenza surveillance data, influenza remains circulating at low levels in the community in Ireland with influenza B the now dominant subtype. Overall, flu activity is stable. People in at-risk groups are still urged to get vaccinated against influenza and it is recommended that antivirals be considered for the treatment and prevention of influenza in at-risk groups.

Influenza surveillance data

The number of confirmed influenza cases notified to the HSE-Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSE-HPSC) remained stable in the past week, with 245 confirmed influenza cases notified in week 7 (week ending February 19^th) compared to 229 cases reported in week 6 (week ending February 12^th).  Since October 2022, 14,284 confirmed influenza cases have been reported to HPSC.

During week 7 2023, influenza remained stable in all age groups. The median age of cases was 27 years (less than one sixth of cases were aged 65 years and older).

During week 7, 65 hospitalised confirmed influenza cases were reported with 4,120 hospitalised influenza cases notified for the season to date including 166 confirmed influenza cases admitted to critical care units.

One hundred and sixty-one (161) deaths in influenza cases have been notified to HPSC since the beginning of October 2022. One hundred and fifty-one (151) outbreaks of confirmed influenza have also been reported so far this season.

The influenza-like illness (ILI) rate is now below the Irish baseline ILI threshold of 18.1 per 100,000 for the second time since week 44 2022 (November 2022). The sentinel GP ILI consultation rate was 15.9 per 100,000 population during week 7 2023 and is stable compared to the updated rate of 14.7 per 100,000 during week 6 2023.

The latest flu report published each Thursday is available here on the HPSC website.

Influenza vaccine

The influenza vaccine is available free of charge from GPs and pharmacists for all people in at risk groups.

See the HSE National Immunisation Office website for further information https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/getting-the-vaccine/ 

Vaccination remains the most effective means of preventing infection by seasonal influenza viruses and can reduce severe disease that can lead to hospitalisation and death. The vaccine takes two weeks to take effect once received.

What do you do if you have flu-like symptoms

Anyone who gets flu should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter remedies like paracetamol to ease symptoms. Advice, tips, information and videos on getting over flu and other common illnesses are available at a new HSE website, www.undertheweather.ie.

When to seek help

Adults
If you are in an at-risk group with flu symptoms OR if you are not in an at-risk group but your flu symptoms are severe or getting worse you should contact your GP. GPs may wish to prescribe antivirals for those presenting with influenza in the at-risk groups. If you need to visit your GP or the Emergency Department, please phone first to explain that you might have flu.

Children
If your child has flu and their symptoms are severe or last for more than one week contact your GP. Please phone first to explain that they might have flu.

Respiratory Hygiene

Covering your cough and sneeze can stop the spread of germs that make people sick.

• DO use a tissue and place it immediately in the bin. Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer
• DO cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve
• DON'T cough or sneeze into your hands. You'll end up spreading germs to everything you touch

Posters and social media resources for respiratory hygiene are available to download from the HPSC website.

Influenza-like illness (ILI) GP consultation rates give an indication of the overall community levels of influenza activity in Ireland and are reported by selected GPs as part of a surveillance system jointly run by the Irish College of General Practitioners, the National Virus Reference Laboratory and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

The weekly influenza surveillance reports and further information on influenza and flu vaccine are available on the HPSC website.

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