Swine flu cases in Ireland see significant rise

Reported cases of swine flu have seen a three-fold week on week increase.

Latest figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) show that at 91, the number of confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus last week was three times higher than the number the previous week.

This latest information comes as the number of people visiting GPs with flu-like symptoms has seen a ten-fold increase since November.

The HPSC says that of the 120 confirmed cases of influenza so far this winter, 106 have been confirmed as being swine flu.

34 of the swine flu cases required hospitalisation, while five people required treatment in Intensive Care.

During last winter's flu season 24 people confirmed to be carrying the H1N1 virus died.

So far this season, the H1N1 is again the prominent flu virus circulating Ireland, with the highest infection rate among the 15-64 age group.

The HSE is urging anyone who has not already received the seasonal flu vaccine, which protects against the H1N1 strain, to get it.

A number of hospitals, including St Vincent's in Dublin, have placed restrictions on visitors in order to protect their in-patients from the potentially fatal virus.