NINE PEOPLE HAVE died and hundreds have been hospitalised with the flu so far this year. 

Reported flu cases have more than doubled in the past week, with the HSE warning that Ireland is facing an early and difficult winter season.

New figures show 1,977 cases were reported this week, up from 907 the week before, while presentations to emergency departments have risen sharply.

As well as this, flu hospitalisations have nearly doubled from 213 to 418. More than 500 people are currently in hospital with flu, according to the Minister for Health.

HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry said the rapid rise is already putting pressure on hospitals.

He urged people at higher risk of severe illness to get vaccinated immediately, including older people, those with chronic conditions, pregnant women, people who are immunocompromised, and healthcare workers.

“There has been an earlier start to the influenza season and we are concerned at the risk this presents to those susceptible to more severe disease,” Henry said.

He added that those over 60 years of age, those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised are most at risk.

“The flu vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective. Therefore the best time to get vaccinated is now, before rates of infection peak over the busy holiday period.”

Children are also being encouraged to get the free nasal spray vaccine.

Dr Eamonn O’Moore of the HSE’s National Health Protection service asked people to stay home when unwell and continue basic precautions like covering coughs and washing hands to help “break the chain of transmission”.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said Ireland could see 1,000 to 1,500 people in hospital with flu over Christmas if uptake of the vaccine does not improve.

“I don’t want that to be any of you,” MacNeill warned.

Please get your flu job.

“It helps the hospitals, it helps healthcare workers and it helps your family avoid the what I might expect to be between 1,000 and 1,500 people in hospital with flu over Christmas week.”