Six people have died amid an early onset of flu season in Ireland. 

Last week, the number of confirmed cases increased by over 40% and HSE spokesperson Dr Éamonn O’Moore reminded listeners that a vaccine is available. 

 “Every winter we see flu causes rising in the northern hemisphere,” he explained. 

“That’s not unusual; we also know that flu does change from year to year - which is why we have to change the elements of vaccines every year.” 

A doctor giving a vaccine for flu. Picture by: Alamy.com. 

Dr O’Moore added that it is “really important” that people who are eligible for the flu vaccine get the jab. 

“Go out and get it,” he urged. 

“There’s still time to do that but it does take around two weeks for people to develop immunity from the vaccine.” 

Peak flu season this year is expected to be late December or early January - just after families and friends gather together to celebrate Christmas and New Year. 

“That makes it really important for people to take all the interventions they can now, the vaccine being the most effective, to prevent people getting complications,” he said. 

People can check their eligibility for a free flu vaccine on the HSE’s website.

Main image: A woman with flu.