The number of flu cases throughout the country has risen steeply, and the winter vomiting bug is widespread, the Health Service Executive (HSE) warned today.
The HSE has issued an alert to hospitals and community services to highlight the growing incidence of influenza and norovirus - the winter vomiting bug.
Dr Pat Doorley, national director of population health, said: "In the first week of 2008 we have seen an increase in the notifications of influenza which have trebled in number from the previous week.
The number of flu cases rose from 16.3 per 100,000 of the population to 52.4 per 100,000 in the first week of the new year. Incidences of flu are highest in the 15 to 64 group.
The HSE urged high-risk groups, including older people and the chronically ill, to attend their local GP as soon as possible to have the influenza vaccine.
"The norovirus or winter vomiting bug is currently widespread throughout Ireland both in the community and in hospitals," Dr Doorley said.
The virus is a common cause of gastroenteritis, or stomach illness, and can be contracted at any time of year. According to the HSE, it does not usually cause serious illness but is very easily spread. Sufferers can remain infectious for at least 48 hours after they recover.
Dr Doorley said "In particular it is essential that anyone with the virus should not visit hospitals, nursing homes etc to prevent the spread of the infection. Visitors to hospitals must use the anti-bacterial gels on entering the hospitals or wards."
Information on influenza and norovirus is available at www.hse.ie