The HSE is urging the public to play its part in helping to prevent the spread of the flu over the Christmas period.
154 cases of people are recorded to have the flu in the last 3 weeks with 70 of such cases needing hospital care, compared to only 5 cases this time last year.
Dr. Laura Heavey, specialist registrar in public health medicine for the HSE in the North West region, says it is not too late for people to get the flu vaccine.
Although most people can be cared for at home with the help of plenty of fluids, rest and paracetamol, Dr. Heavey pointed out that it is important that pregnant women, children, people with a long term illness and the elderly are safer to receive the flu vaccine which this year is more effective:
