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.