The number of laboratory-confirmed influenza cases nearly tripled in one week.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has said it now considers that flu viruses are circulating in Ireland.
This is after the number of influenza cases is reported to have almost tripled in a week.
New figures from HPSC outline that 37 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases were notified on the week from 7 February to 13 February.
During the previous week from 31 January to 6 February, only 13 were reported.
Of the 37 influenza cases between 7 – 13 February, the median age was 23 years.
13 of the 37 cases were in hospital inpatients of which the median age was 69.
“Influenza activity increased significantly in Ireland during week 6 2022, mostly associated with influenza A,” the HPSC wrote on Twitter.
“Given the increase in most surveillance indicators, HPSC considers that influenza viruses are now circulating in Ireland.”
It has recommended that members of the public in “at-risk groups” get vaccinated against the disease.
Since the beginning of flu season in October, 120 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases have been notified, according to HPSC figures.
Influenza activity increased significantly in Ireland during week 6 2022, mostly associated with influenza A. Given the increase in most surveillance indicators, HPSC considers that influenza viruses are now circulating in Ireland. Read the weekly report👉https://t.co/GAKjWduB7s pic.twitter.com/TEI3rXiHDJ
— HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) (@hpscireland) February 18, 2022
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