The HSE is warning that a common but easily overlooked flu symptom may first appear around dinnertime, as cases continue to ‘spread widely’ across Ireland.
You may not notice a symptom of the flu until you sit down at dinnertime (stock image)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The flu is “still spreading widely” across all regions of Ireland, according to the HSE, which has issued a renewed appeal urging anyone who feels unwell to stay at home to help limit the spread.
New figures from the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) show that while flu cases peaked before Christmas, the virus continues to circulate at high levels in the community. Last week, almost two thirds (63%) of people hospitalised with flu were aged 65 and over.
The highest number of flu cases this winter season to date has been recorded among those aged 65 and older, as well as children under 15.
The main flu virus circulating this season is Influenza A(H3N2), which the HSE says can be very serious for older adults, young children and people with underlying health conditions. This strain has been dubbed ‘super flu’ by some health experts.
In an update issued today, the HSE strongly advised anyone experiencing symptoms to stay at home.
A spokesperson said: “It is important we all take action to ensure we protect ourselves, our loved ones and each other from infection at this time of year when levels of flu and other respiratory viruses are increasing.
“Flu is still spreading widely in all regions in the community. To prevent passing the flu on to others, stay at home if you are unwell. Your friends, families and colleagues would thank you for doing the right thing.
“If you have symptoms, please do not visit vulnerable relatives/friends/neighbours and particularly do not visit nursing homes or hospitals for social visits when ill.
“If you are unwell and need medications, try to send someone else to collect your medicines from the pharmacy. By following these steps, we can protect ourselves, our loved ones and each other.”
The HSE has also outlined a list of key flu symptoms to watch out for. One symptom that may strike people as strange, is loss of appetite, which some may only notice when they sit down to eat at dinnertime.
Full list of flu symptoms:
a sudden high temperature of 38 degrees or aboveaches and painsfeeling tired or exhausteda dry cougha sore throata headachedifficulty sleepingloss of appetitediarrhoea or tummy painfeeling sick and being sick
In children, symptoms are similar, although they may also complain of ear pain or appear less active than usual.
The HSE also addressed the use of face masks in today’s update, saying there is no general requirement for the public to wear them, but they may be useful in certain situations.
It added: “There is no general call for public to use masks, but some people may wish to do so in crowded indoor spaces eg on public transport and in busy public spaces (shops, churches/places of worship) especially if they are poorly ventilated. They may be the case especially for people who are vulnerable.
“If you are ill and need to attend your pharmacist, GP or hospital you should wear a mask if you can. Hospitals and care settings may require you to use masks when visiting even if you are well – this will be guided by local risk assessment in the setting. When using a mask – use it properly and dispose of in waste bin.”
The HSE is also reminding people that it is not too late to get the flu vaccine at participating GPs and pharmacies. Healthcare workers are again being “strongly encouraged” to avail of their free vaccination.
It added: “Flu vaccination significantly reduces hospitalisations by preventing severe illness and lowering the risk of serious complications. To date this season, 76% of ICU admissions due to flu had not received the current seasonal influenza vaccine.”
For those who have the flu, the HSE said there are care options available, stating: “If you or your family feel unwell, there are care options. For more information on getting the right care from the right place visit www.hse.ie.”
The flu is highly infectious and can be passed to others very easily, which is why it’s important to take precautions if you or someone in your household is unwell. According to the HSE, the period when you are most likely to spread the virus is the first five days after symptoms appear.
The flu virus spreads mainly through tiny droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even talks. These droplets can land on other people nearby, making close contact particularly risky. The virus can also survive on your hands, door handles, phones, and other surfaces for up to 24 hours, meaning it’s possible to pick it up simply by touching something that an infected person has handled.
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