The HSE has asked parents to keep sick children at home next week due to the high numbers of youths suffering from the winter flu.
They shared that babies and children as old as 15 have been affected by the flu.
Nearly 200 people have been hospitalised with the illness, with ten dying from the winter flu so far.
Dr Kevin Keller, who is the Assistant National Director of Health Protection at the HSE, has advised parents to keep their children away from school, even if it means missing the beginning of the new school term.
Flu is a serious illness which can be life threatening - especially for people aged 65 and over or anyone a long term medical condition. Get the vaccine. https://t.co/iFKKZXagre #YourBestShot pic.twitter.com/mNgVKmdShE
— HSE Ireland (@HSELive) January 2, 2018
If parents notice their children showing any flu-like symptoms it’d be best to let them recover at home, rather than sending them to school where they may end up spreading influenza.
Dr Keller shared, “We want to make sure it is not spread. Going back to work or school when you've got symptoms will spread it.”
He explained that the flu spreads very easily, especially in classrooms.
"If your child has the symptoms, please don't send them to school. Look after them at home. Likewise, if you've got the symptoms - don't go to work," he shared.
The HSE has asked parents to look out for flu symptoms including sore muscles, a dry cough, headaches, high temperatures and a sore throat.
They have asked people to get the flu vaccination because “prevention is better than cure.”
If you or your child are suffering from the flu make sure to get plenty of rest, sleep as much as you can and take ibuprofen to ease the pain.
