Ireland, like much of Europe, is in the middle of a serious flu outbreak. This week’s podcast focuses on why this year’s influenza wave is hitting so hard, who is most at risk, and what actually helps. 

Professor Luke O’Neill explains why flu thrives in winter, spreading easily indoors where ventilation is poor. He outlines the classic flu symptoms — high temperature, severe fatigue, aches and pains, cough and runny nose — and why this strain is leaving many people bedridden for days rather than just mildly unwell. Flu is currently a bigger problem than Covid — widespread immunity has made Covid more benign, while influenza continues to evolve, throwing up new variants every winter. 

The episode looks at who needs to be especially careful, and why flu season is such a concern for hospitals, with emergency departments under pressure and trolley numbers rising. Luke also discusses why this year’s vaccine has been less well matched than usual, after the virus mutated on its way from the southern to the northern hemisphere — and why it still matters. 

And if flu symptoms do strike, Luke’s advice is simple: rest, stay hydrated, manage fever and pain, and don’t panic.