Update on flu w/c March 27 by Dr J Gallagher, EHA:

Influenza activity remained at low levels in Ireland during week 12 2011. The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was slightly increased compared to the rate reported during week 11 2011 but remains below baseline levels and is low in all age groups. No new outbreaks of influenza/ILI have been reported since week 5 2011.

Update on Flu Week 8

Dr John Gallagher, Employment Health Advisors:
During week 8 2011 Influenza activity continued to decrease in Ireland. The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was decreased from week 7 2011. ILI rates have decreased in all age groups, with the exception of those aged 65 years or older. ILI rates have now reduced to just above baseline levels. The proportion of influenza–related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services continued to decrease in week 8 2011, coinciding with the decrease in sentinel GP ILI consultation rates. All influenza types decreased in week 8 2011, with influenza B remaining the predominant circulating influenza type. The weekly number of hospitalised cases of influenza decreased and no new outbreaks of influenza/ILI have been reported since week 5 2011.

Influenza continues to decline

Update by Dr John Gallagher (Employment Health Advisors, EHA): Influenza activity has continued to decrease during week 7 2011. The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate was again decreased from week 6 2011. ILI rates have decreased in all age groups but continue to remain above baseline levels. The proportion of influenza–related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services continued to decrease. All influenza types decreased in week 7 2011, with influenza B remaining the predominant circulating influenza type. No new outbreaks of influenza/ILI have been reported since week 5 2011. The WHO have announced the viruses recommended for use in the Northern Hemisphere 2011/2012 influenza vaccine.

Influenza still above baseline levels

Update from Dr. John Gallagher (Employment Health Advisors):

In week 5 2011 Influenza activity has continued to decline but remains above baseline threshold levels. The sentinel GP influenza-like illness (ILI) consultation rate showed a slight decrease from week 4 2011. ILI in 0-4 and 5-14 year olds continues to remain at high levels in the community and is mainly associated with influenza B rather than H1N1. The proportion of influenza–related calls to GP Out-of-Hours services decreased slightly. Influenza B is now the predominant circulating influenza type in Ireland. The weekly number of hospitalised cases of influenza remained stable.