As flu cases surge across Ireland this January, the HSE has outlined the key symptoms to watch for.
Flu is spreading across Ireland(Image: Getty Images)
With the New Year in full swing and many returning to work and school after a busy Christmas of socialising, flu is sweeping across Ireland.
People across the country are reporting unpleasant symptoms ranging from high temperatures and dry coughs to extreme fatigue.
The HSE has warned that flu cases are circulating wildly in the community, with both infections and hospitalisations having risen “rapidly” in recent weeks – a trend it says is expected to continue in the weeks ahead.
Health officials are urging everyone to take simple precautions to help stop the virus spreading, including knowing the latest flu symptoms and understanding how long to stay away from other when you are contagious.
A HSE spokesperson said: “Every winter brings an increase in seasonal illnesses such as flu. While these illnesses are unpleasant but mild for many, they can be very serious for older adults, young children, and people with underlying health conditions.
“Flu is circulating widely in the community and will continue to increase over the coming weeks. Getting vaccinated remains the best protection against serious illness and hospitalisation.”
January 2026 flu symptoms
The HSE says it’s important to know whether you have a cold or the flu. While the symptoms can be similar, the flu is usually more severe. A cold develops gradually and mainly affects your nose and throat. While it can make you feel unwell, you can usually carry on with day to day activities.
The flu, however, comes on quickly – often within just a few hours – and affects more than just your nose and throat. It can leave you feeling exhausted and too unwell to get through the day as normal.
Flu symptoms can include:
a sudden high temperature of 38C or aboveaches and painsfeeling tired or exhausteda dry cougha sore throata headachedifficulty sleepingloss of appetitediarrhoea or tummy painfeeling sick and being sick
Symptoms in children are similar, but they may also experience ear pain and appear less active.
How long flu is contagious
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.
Advice to stop the spread
A HSE 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.” The HSE advises:
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 care 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.If you are ill and need to attend for care 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.There is no general call for public to use masks, but some people may wish to do so in crowded indoor spaces- e.g. 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.When using a mask – use it properly and dispose of in waste bin.
The spokesperson added: “By following these steps, we can protect ourselves, our loved ones and each other and ensure we all get to stay safe and well.”
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