Flu update – Week 1, 2016

Update by Dr J Gallagher, Employment Health Advisors (EHA):

Influenza activity in Ireland increased in the community in recent weeks (week 1 2016). 

The most recent influenza surveillance data indicate that influenza-like illness (ILI) has increased in the community in recent weeks.

The influenza-like illness (ILI) rate during week 1 (week ending January 10^th 2016) was 48.5 per 100,000 population which is above the Irish baseline threshold of 18 per 100,000 (used to assess influenza activity during the 2015/2016 influenza season in Ireland) for the first time this season.

In addition, 77 confirmed influenza cases were reported as hospitalised with 13 confirmed influenza cases admitted to critical care units to date this season. Twelve outbreaks of acute respiratory infection have been reported to HPSC to date this season of which two were due to confirmed influenza. Influenza B and Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 are co-circulating.