At-risk groups urged to avail of vaccine as flu cases double

The HSE says cases of flu have almost doubled in the past week and it has urged people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated.

The HSE says cases of flu have almost doubled in the past week and it has urged people in high-risk groups to get vaccinated.

Levels of flu-like illness are “actively circulating”, said the HSE. It has encouraged the over 65s, pregnant women and those with lower immunity to get vaccinated. It is free from GPs to at-risk groups and from pharmacists for those over 65.

Different from a cold, flu develops in hours with symptoms including high temperature, sore muscles, dry cough, headache and sore throat.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter