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Three people have died from flu so far this season, HSE says

Three people have died from the flu so far this winter season, as the number of influenza cases c...
Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

09.38 13 Dec 2019


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Three people have died from fl...

Three people have died from flu so far this season, HSE says

Stephen McNeice
Stephen McNeice

09.38 13 Dec 2019


Share this article


Three people have died from the flu so far this winter season, as the number of influenza cases continues to increase.

A total of 324 people have been hospitalised, according to figures from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.

The official monitoring threshold was crossed last week as GPs across the country reported a sharp increase in flu cases.

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Six influenza outbreaks were reported to health officials last week.

Flu sets in far more quickly than a cold and symptoms include a high temperature, body aches, a dry cough and a headache.

Dr John Cuddihy said avoiding contact with people is the best way to stop the illness spreading.

He explained: "Stay out of school or work while they're symptomatic, and until their symptoms have completely resolved - and that usually takes between five and seven days.

"People who develop the symptoms of flu as well... it's important that they would cough or sneeze into a tissue, dispose of the tissue immediately, and wash their hands."

He added: "In general the flu can be managed at home: someone should rest, get plenty of fluids, and use over-the-counter medicine like paracetamol to control the symptoms.

"People in at-risk groups or people not in those groups but whose influenza is severe or getting worse should phone their GP for advice."

Main image: A woman being given a vaccination against seasonal flu. Photo: Mark Stedman/RollingNews.ie

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