High level of flu cases confirmed across Mid-West region
CLOSE to 200 cases of influenza have been confirmed across the Mid-West region since the beginning of October, new figures suggest.
The Department of Public Health Mid-West says doctors are "currently seeing a high level of flu early in the season" which typically continues until April.
According to the latest weekly data, there were 34 confirmed cases of flu in Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary during the most-recent reporting period.
"Flu is a highly infectious illness that affects all age groups and can result in serious disease and death for the most vulnerable, the elderly and those with weak immune systems. We are concerned about the potential negative and disruptive impact on healthcare settings," said a spokesperson.
The Department of Public Health Mid-West is appealing to people who have symptoms of a cold or flu to not go to work or socialise with others.
"You should return to normal activity until you are 48 hours’ symptom-free," said the spokesperson.