While the number of cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) is rising in Europe, and the first case on the island of Ireland has been confirmed, the national diabetes charity, Diabetes Ireland, has emphasised that the risk to individuals "remains low".

The charity said that it has received a number of calls "from concerned individuals with diabetes". However, according to its health promotion and research manager, Dr Anna Clarke, "the common flu is still a much bigger issue, so people should still consider getting the flu vaccine even this late in the flu season".

"COVID-19 has led to over 83,000 illnesses and more than 2,800 deaths. While this may be a scary figure to see, especially since this virus is relatively new, these figures don't compare with the flu. In the US, the flu caused an estimated 19 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalisations and 10,000 deaths this season alone," Dr Clarke pointed out.

While coronaviruses are not new, the COVID-19 strain is a new variation, which only emerged in Wuhan in China in December 2019.

Dr Clarke acknowledged that because COVID-19 is new, "our understanding of how it operates, and means to combat it, are limited".

"The difference between the flu and the coronavirus is that seasonal flu has been studied for many decades, so we know a lot about flu viruses and what to expect each season.

"In comparison, little is known about COVID-19, due to its very recent emergence. As a result, more time is needed to see how far it will spread and how many illnesses it will cause," she noted.

While older people, and those with pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and respiratory conditions, appear to be more vulnerable to becoming seriously ill with the virus, people can take precautions, the charity emphasised.

"For anyone, with or without diabetes, the best thing you can do is to become informed, so that you can be proactive in preventing any illness," it said.

With diabetes specifically, the charity pointed out that those with well controlled blood glucose levels do not face an increased risk of contracting the illness. However, it warned that if contracted, the risk of experiencing severe illness would be increased due to the underlying condition.

Those with poorly controlled diabetes would be at an increased risk of contracting the illness and once contracted, "the condition would be a serious concern in this population".

"Therefore people with diabetes are advised to limit potential exposure, maintain excellent glucose control, eat a healthy varied diet, and get regular exercise if possible.

"They should also ensure their sick day regime is up to date and they are comfortable following it. For anyone using a pump, ensure you have insulins (basal and bolus) to use in case of pump failure," the charity advised.

All people with diabetes should have a sick day regime to follow in case of illness. If you have not, you should get one from your diabetes team as soon as possible.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can take up to 14 days after exposure to appear. They can include a cough, fever, shortness of breath, a runny nose and a sore throat.

"As with all medical conditions, if you cannot get the symptoms under control within two days or are in distress, you should seek professional assistance. For people with diabetes, that includes maintaining glucose levels in the target range," the charity said.

However, specific to COVID-19, if you have flu-like symptoms and have recently returned from one of the affected areas, or have been in contact in the last 14 days with someone who has been diagnosed with the virus, you should isolate yourself from other people and telephone your GP. You should not visit the GP as you risk spreading the illness to others.

You can also contact the HSE helpline on 1850 24 1850.

More information on COVID-19 is available from the HSE here, and from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre here.