The HSE has confirmed that a child has died in a Dublin hospital after contracting the H1N1 flu virus, better known as swine flu.

The child was not from Dublin.

The HSE said that there is no cause for alarm and unfortunately, a small number of children die from the flu every year in Ireland.

It noted that flu rates in the general population ‘continue to rise and are expected to do so for one to two more weeks'.

Even though we are approaching the end of flu season, the HSE encouraged all those in at-risk groups, such as pregnant women, older people, those with chronic conditions and healthcare workers, to get themselves vaccinated against flu if they have not already done so.

For more information on the flu vaccine, click here
For more information on what to do if you have the flu, click here