Every year in Ireland, thousands of people put themselves at risk of serious illness or even death by failing to get vaccinated against the flu, the HSE has warned.

It has launched its annual flu vaccination campaign, which urges people in at-risk groups to get vaccinated. Research indicates that if Ireland was hit with a severe flu season, as many as 1,000 deaths could result.

"The vaccine reduces infection and associated illnesses and hospitalisation. Flu is very infectious and can cause potentially serious illnesses especially for older people, those who have a chronic illness, those with weakened immune systems and pregnant women," noted the head of the HSE's National Immunisation Office, Dr Brenda Corcoran.

She emphasised that the vaccine can be given ‘at any stage of pregnancy and also protects the baby'.

"The flu vaccine cannot give you the flu as it does not contain any live flu virus and all those at risk should get vaccinated as soon as possible this year to make sure that they are protected," she said.

Flu symptoms usually come on quickly - within a few hours - and can include a high temperature, dry cough, sore muscles, headache and sore throat.

Flu differs from the common cold, which usually comes on more gradually and includes a normal temperature and runny nose.

"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 the spread of flu.

"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 Corcoran said.

The seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for the following at-risk groups:
-Everyone aged 65 and older
-Anyone over six months of age with a long-term illness requiring regular medical follow-up such as chronic heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes or those with lower immunity as a result of disease or disease treatment
-Pregnant women
-Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities
-Healthcare workers

This year's flu vaccine protects against the three common flu strains that are expected to be circulating over the coming months based on evidence from the World Health Organization.

The HSE noted that reactions to the flu vaccine are generally mild and serious side-effects are ‘very rare'. It provides the vaccine free of charge to all those in at-risk groups. However people without a medical card or GP visit card, will be charged a consultation fee.

For more information from the HSE on the flu vaccine, click here

For more general information on the vaccination of children, see our unique Child Immunisation Tracker here