Health professionals are bracing for a surge in Aussie Flu cases...
As schools across Ireland return to normality today, health professionals have warned an increase in 'Aussie Flu' cases is possible.
The virus is causing havoc across Ireland and the UK this flu season, having previously affected 170,000 people in Australia and New Zealand during the Southern Hemisphere Winter.
According to reports from the HSE, 330-patients were on emergency department trolleys yesterday, and this number could be set to increase even further in the coming days and weeks, as students return.
Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (INMO) President Phil Ni Sheaghdha, has warned parents to keep their children at home if they suspect they are ill.
Ms. Ni Sheaghdha told the Independent: "When those children go home, adults are likely to get it as well.
"It's good advice that, if there are symptoms, don't send your children to school."
The main symptoms for Aussie Flu include:
- A sudden fever - a temperature of 38C or above
- Aching body
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- Dry, chesty cough
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- Nausea and being sick
Meanwhile the HSE advises those in the at risk groups to get the Flu Vaccine.
Those who fall under the at risk category include:
- People over 65-years of age
- Pregnant women
- Young kids
- Those with chronic conditions - like diabetes, lung and heart disease.
