The HSE has moved to the treatment phase of the H1N1 flu pandemic, it said today.
There have now been over 150 cases of the so-called swine flu virus confirmed in Ireland.
“Since April, the HSE's public health doctors have been managing cases as they arose while finalising plans to respond to a more severe evolution of what is now a flu pandemic,” the HSE said in a statement.
It said that given the numbers of cases now in Ireland and the fact that the flu is being passed from person to person within Ireland, it had now moved to the treatment phase of the pandemic.
Similar moves have been taken in the USA, in Britain and in other EU member states.
Anti-viral medicine, where it is prescribed by a GP, will now be available from pharmacies nationwide, where it will be free of charge to patients on prescription.
“We have seen in Ireland and internationally that most people who get this flu are able to recover at home without needing anti-viral treatment - following our simple home care advice is sufficient for the majority of cases,” the HSE said.
Treatment with anti-viral medicines and lab testing will now be focused on people with severe symptoms and people in high risk groups – such as those with chronic illness, those aged over 65 or under five years, and pregnant women.
The HSE has ended routine contact tracing for cases of flu and preventative anti-viral medicine will only be used in limited situations.
It expects the first batches of pandemic vaccines to arrive in Ireland later this year. Some 7.7 million doses of vaccine have been ordered - enough for the population to have the required two doses each. The HSE said it was finalising detailed plans to deliver this vaccine to the population, with high risk groups and health workers among the first to be vaccinated.
The HSE said anyone recovering from flu at home, or caring for someone with flu, should rest, take ibuprofen or paracetamol to reduce the symptoms, and make sure to take plenty of fluids.
It said most people would improve within three to four days and recover within a week. Thorough handwashing and the use of tissues to catch coughs or sneezes were important steps in helping to prevent the spread of the flu virus.
The full symptoms are listed on the HSE’s website and it has also set up a 24-hour flu information line at freephone 1800 941100.