We are now experiencing our annual seasonal flu season and, as had been expected, this year the predominant flu virus is the H1N1 virus also known as swine flu. This flu virus mainly affects younger people and those with pre-existing medical conditions; women who are pregnant or have been in the last six to eight weeks are also particularly at risk.
The best protection from this virus is the flu vaccine. Anyone who has not already had the vaccine, particularly pregnant women, people with long term health conditions, people aged 65 and over and their carers and healthcare workers, should consider getting the vaccine.
For further information on the seasonal flu vaccination and the symptoms of H1N1 virus, please see www.hse.ie The website also features detailed questions and answers on flu, the symptoms, how to treat them and how to care for flu at home.
