New ‘red zone’ flu map shows the counties worst-affected by the flu epidemic this winter

THE HSE have released a map to the public which shows that every area across the country has been hit by the flu over the last two weeks of December.

The map itself covers all different strains of the flu, including the highly infectious Aussie flu which has surged across Europe in recent weeks.

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Dublin was among the worst affected areas having reported to have ‘widespread activity’ across both weeks.

The darker the colour on the map, the worse affected that area has been by the flu.

It shows that the flu has increased in some areas and in other areas decreased.

The Aussie flu has already claimed an Irish victim, with Christopher Colhoun losing his life after being struck down by the illness.

The East region has continued to suffer badly from the sickness over the two week period, showing no signs of activity slowing down.

The area of Dublin has remained the area hardest hit by the virus.

The West on the other hand had their status decreased from ‘localised activity’ to ‘sporadic activity’.

The Northwest and Southeast both were subject to an increase in activity over the two week period.

A recent outbreak of influenza B Yamagate has left health bosses in shock as it rapidly spreads across the country.

It is believed this strain has overtaken Aussie flu and accounts for 60 to 70 per cent of current flu cases.