Due to recent flu outbreak, hospitals throughout Ireland are reporting a significant rise in the amount of people being admitted with winter-related illnesses.
According to the latest figures released by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC), who are in charge of monitoring the spread of infectious diseases, the amount of people falling ill with flu-like symptoms has tripled throughout Ireland in the last five weeks.
Flu outbreak
Most commonly known as the flu, Influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from person to person which can cause annual epidemics during the winter months.
It may be a common complaint but the flu remains a force to be reckoned with – anyone who has experienced its nasty symptoms, which include high fever, a cough, stuffy nose, fatigue and nausea, can testify to this.
The HSPC has warned that this increase in cases is expected to continue until the end of February with Minister for Health Simon Harrison describing it as a very challenging time for Ireland’s health service.
How to prevent the flu
If you are concerned about contracting the flu there are ways to prevent it. Some precautions that you can take everyday are washing your hands regularly, keeping surfaces clean and upping your intake of Vitamin C
over the winter months.
However, the most effective way to protect against the Influenza virus is to get your flu vaccination. Tropical Medical Bureau offer these important vaccinations at their clinics nationwide.
Dr Graham Fry, Medical Director of TMB, says, “It is extremely advisable for those who are susceptible to infection, such as elderly people and those with conditions such as asthma, to protect themselves with a flu vaccination, especially considering the recent flu outbreak. It is also recommended for international travellers, due to crowded conditions at airports and on-board planes.”
The flu vaccination at TMB costs just €25 or €15 as part of a course of vaccinations. There are also group and corporate rates available as well as on-site vaccination services for groups of 20 or more. If you would like to learn more about our group or corporate flu services visit www.tmb.ie/services/group.
For further information or to book an appointment, please contact Tropical Medical Bureau on 1850 487674 or visit www.tmb.ie.