People at risk of contracting the flu are being urged to get themselves vaccinated in the coming weeks.

According to a new awareness campaign involving Age Action, the Asthma Society of Ireland and Boots Ireland, almost 2,500 cases of flu were reported during the 2014/2015 winter season and the number of people hospitalised with the illness jumped by 29% when compared with the previous flu season.

Flu is a highly contagious illness caused by the flu virus. Symptoms can include a high temperature, fever, aches and pain, a sore throat and headaches.

The flu vaccine is recommended for all those in at-risk groups, such as people over the age of 65, those with a long-term medical condition such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease, pregnant women and healthcare workers.

Commenting on the new campaign, Justin Moran of Age Action pointed out that the majority of people who suffer severe winter flu in Ireland are over the age of 65.

"It is vital that they do everything they can to protect themselves. No matter how healthy you feel, a bad case of the flu is very difficult to recover from so we are urging all our members and everyone in an at-risk group to speak to your local healthcare professional about vaccination," he commented.

Also speaking about the campaign, Sharon Cosgrove of the Asthma Society of Ireland pointed out that the winter flu can have ‘very serious consequences' for people with asthma.

"It can trigger an attack or lead to bacterial chest infections and pneumonia. It is recommended that all those living with asthma, or any respiratory disease, avail of the winter flu vaccine this autumn," she said.

The campaign highlights that people can avail of the flu vaccine from their local pharmacy. It is free of cost to people in at risk groups who have a medical card, while a fee is charged to those without medical cards.

Over 51,500 people were vaccinated against flu in Irish pharmacies last winter, which made up 10% of the total number of people vaccinated against the illness.

For more information on the flu vaccine for the 2015/2016 winter season, click here

For more information on asthma, see our Asthma Clinic here