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Flu cases in Northern Ireland fall after December surge

Auryn CoxBBC News NI
News imageGetty Images A stock image of a woman coughing into her hand.Getty Images
Flu cases fell over the Christmas period

Flu cases in Northern Ireland continued to fall last week after a surge in cases at the start of December, official figures show.

There were 509 confirmed cases last week - down from 625 the week before.

Cases peaked at 1,227 in the week ending 7 December - and a primary school in County Londonderry had 170 pupils off due to sickness in a single day.

The Public Health Agency (PHA) said while it is encouraging to see cases fall in recent weeks it is important to continue efforts to reduce viral transmission.

People aged between 15 and 44 were the most likely to test positive for flu in the last week, but older adults were the most likely to become seriously ill, with hospital admissions highest among those aged 75 and over.

Dr Peter Naughton, a health protection consultant with the PHA, said vaccines remain the best protection and urged those eligible to get vaccinated.

"Everyone has a part to play in staying well this winter," he said.

"By carrying tissues to catch coughs or sneezes, wash hands regularly throughout the day and know when to stay home to stop the spread."

He added this season has been characterized by an earlier start and a slightly higher peak of weekly cases compared to last season.

Flu infection rates

Last week, the influenza infection rate in Northern Ireland fell to 26.5 cases per 100,000 people, down from 32.8 per 100,000 the previous week, according to the latest figures published by the PHA.

The data also shows there were 265 flu-related emergency hospital admissions last week, down from 302 the week before.

The PHA said data from across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland suggests this year's flu vaccine is working well at preventing hospital admissions.

Flu cases across the UK had been declining although NHS leaders in England said Christmas gatherings may have caused a resurgence there.

Although experts initially feared this could be a severe flu season, they now say that apart from an early start and higher rates in children, this winter has been broadly typical.