THE HSE has issued an urgent warning to Irish parents as winter virus cases are set to skyrocket over Christmas.
The health executive is urging all children and teens to get the free flu vaccination.
Children and teens aged between 2 and 17 can get a free nasal spray flu vaccine.
This is the first time that those aged 13 to 17 are included.
Children are given the nasal vaccine by spraying it once into each nostril.
The vaccine is available from GP practices and pharmacies.
Children in senior infants and those in primary school can avail of the vaccine in school.
Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the HSE National Immunisation Office, Dr Aparna Keegan, said: “In the coming weeks and into the seasonal break we anticipate that flu, among other winter viruses, will begin to circulate more widely as we see an increase in socialising with friends and family over Christmas.
“In response to this, we are extending the age limit for the children’s flu vaccine to include all those aged 13 to 17 years.
“We know children are twice as likely as adults to catch and spread flu and this poses a threat to them and others.
“Young children, in particular, are more likely than adults to be very sick from flu.
“Vaccinating children protects them – and their siblings, parents, grandparents and those who are vulnerable.”
Flu is an infection caused by a virus that infects your lungs and upper airways.
It will often get better on its own but can make some people “seriously ill”.
Flu symptoms come on very quickly and can include:
- a sudden high temperature of 38 degrees or above
- aches and pains
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
The flu symptoms are similar for children but they can also get a pain in their ear and seem less active.
Cold and flu symptoms are similar, but flu tends to be more severe.
A cold will appear gradually but flu symptoms begin “within a few hours”.
Although a cold will affect your nose and throat and make you feel unwell, you can carry on as normal.
The flu will affect more than just your nose and throat and make you feel exhausted and too unwell to carry on as normal.
Flu and Covid-19 can be very similar and it could be coronavirus if you have a high temperature, a new and continuous cough or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.
Flu is very infectious and easily spread to other people. You’re more likely to give it to others in the first five days.