Members of the public who are in at-risk groups are being reminded to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible.

Flu is a highly contagious illness that kills between 200 and 500 people in Ireland every year. Flu season usually lasts from October to April and experts have predicted that this year's season will be particularly dangerous.

According to Dr Anna Clarke, a consultant in public health medicine with the HSE National Immunisation Office, if Ireland does experience a severe flu season, there could be as many as 1,000 flu-related deaths over the coming months.

"This year's flu season is just beginning and the best protection against flu is the flu vaccine. All people in risk groups should get the vaccine if they have not gotten it already. As the vaccine takes two weeks to work, the HSE is urging people to get it now," Dr Clarke commented.

She explained that the vaccine reduces infection and associated illnesses and hospitalisation, however she emphasised that it ‘cannot give you the flu as it does not contain any live flu virus'.

"National uptake figures show that 54% of people aged 65 and over who hold a Medical Card or GP Visit Card received the flu vaccine during the 2016-2017 flu season. This uptake rate is on a par with the 2015-2016 flu season. However it is less than the World Health Organization (WHO) target of 75%," Dr Clarke noted.

She also reminded people that it is essential they are vaccinated every flu season as the virus strains in the vaccine change each year. This year's seasonal flu vaccine protects against the three common flu virus strains expected to be circulating this year based on advice from the WHO.

Those in at-risk groups who should be vaccinated against the flu are:
-Everyone aged 65 and older
-Pregnant women
-Anyone over six months of age with a long-term illness that requires regular medical follow-up, such as diabetes, heart disease and asthma
-Anyone with lower immunity as a result of disease or disease treatment
-Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities
-Healthcare workers.

The symptoms of flu usually develop over a few hours and include a high temperature, sore muscles, a dry cough, headache and a sore throat. Flu is different from the common cold, as this tends to come on more gradually and usually includes a runny nose and a normal temperature.

"Flu is spread by coughing and sneezing, so people should cover their nose and mouth with a tissue, disposing of the tissue as soon as possible, and washing their hands with soap and water as soon as possible to help prevent its spread.

"Anyone who gets flu should stay at home, rest, drink plenty of fluids and use over-the-counter flu remedies to ease symptoms. People in high-risk categories should contact their GP if they develop flu symptoms," Dr Clarke said.

She emphasised that flu vaccines are safe and have been given to millions of people worldwide over the last 60 years. Reactions are generally mild and serious side-effects are very rare.

Meanwhile, some people in at risk groups may also need to get the pneumococcal vaccine, which protects against pneumococcal disease. However, most people only need to get this vaccine once in their life, so people should check with their GP to see if they need it.

The HSE provides the flu and pneumococcal vaccine free of charge to all those in at-risk groups.

The vaccine and consultation are free for those with a Medical Card or GP Visit Card. Those without a Medical Card or GP Visit Card may be charged a consultation fee.

Those aged 18 years or older in at-risk groups may attend either their GP or pharmacist for vaccination, while those under 18 years of age should attend their GP.

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