The HSE confirmed that a number of healthy kids died from the flu during the winter. They revealed that the youths had no underlying health conditions.
The shocking figures prove that anyone can be affected by the virus, regardless of how healthy they are.
It is believed that fewer than five children died from influenza, but the HSE could not release exact figures, The Independent reported.
222 lives were claimed by the flu this winter, however, the majority of them were elderly people with existing conditions.
The virus tends to spread quicker amongst youths, especially in a school environment.
Influenza also spreads quicker amongst children as many of them fail to cover their nose when they sneeze and forget to wash their hands at times.
The flu season peaked when children returned to school after the Christmas break.
Medical experts have stressed the importance of vaccinating youths. They may not offer 100 percent protection, but it is better than none.
The HSE hoped that the 2017/2018 vaccine would be 60 percent effective, however, figures show it was 36 percent effective.
The effectiveness of the vaccine varies yearly due to the numerous strains of the flu.
Anyone can contract the flu, but pregnant women, people over 65, children under five, and anyone with a chronic lung, heart, liver, blood, nervous system, neuromuscular or metabolic problems are most at risk.
