EXCLUSIVE: 'Aussie flu' strain leaves NI patients in intensive care
A strain of 'Aussie flu' has left patients in Northern Ireland in intensive care according to a top GP.
Last updated 4th Jan 2018
The A(H3N2) virus has left several people here needing urgent treatment, while it is also responsible for several deaths in the Republic of Ireland and England.
Dr Michael McKenna says it's important people get their flu jabs.
"The numbers of recorded cases are increasing and that is likely to continue," he said.
"We are seeing people in intensive care with influenza.
"This news strain is particularly virulent so it has a bigger impact on people.
"People whose immune systems may be compromised in some way or other, for example if you have chest conditions, you're young or pregnant.
"People in those groups, if they haven't got one, should arrange to get a flu jab with their GP."
However, the PHA says that while there are 16 instances of people being admitted to intensive care for flu, it has not yet broken down the exact strains for each case.
And Dr Jillian Johnston, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: “Everyone who is eligible to be vaccinated against flu should see it as a positive step in protecting their health and the health of others around them.
"It will also help reduce the burden on our health service during an already busy time of year. All Trusts here make flu vaccine available to healthcare workers.
“It is also important for pre-schoolers aged two and above and primary school children to get the vaccine.
"It will not only help to protect them from flu, but also those they come into contact with. The Australian experience showed that older people were more susceptible to the A(H3N2) strain of virus, so with families spending a lot of time together at this time of year, getting kids vaccinated can help reduce the spread of flu to older people.
"If you have a child who is eligible for vaccination but hasn’t yet received it, contact your GP and make an appointment.”