Irish GPs are reporting an upsurge in cases of viral illness, but there has been no increase in the number of cases of influenza reported in the past week.
This is the first year of a joint surveillance scheme, run by the Irish College of General Practitioners, the Virus Reference Laboratory and the National Disease Surveillance Centre, which provides a more accurate picture of the level of viral illness including flu.
Twenty GP practices routinely send throat swabs on two suspected cases of influenza-like illness they encounter every week to the VRL in Dublin. This serves as an early warning of infection trend. The GPs also report on the number of flu-like illnesses seen per 100,000 population each week.
The latest figures show a consultation rate of 17 cases per 100,000. In a flu epidemic the rate would be in excess of 400. This low rate of influenza activity is mirrored throughout Europe and the United States.
A Dun Laoghaire GP has reported, however, an increase in a viral illness affecting the very young and very old during the past week. It is causing severe headache; cough and running nose, sore throat and generalised aches and pains. There is also a separate bug which is causing gastro-enteritis.
Other Dublin GPs report a similar pattern, with only an occasional case of true influenza seen. A Kerry GP told The Irish Times that the south-west was seeing an increase in respiratory illness, but not of a gastric virus. Influenza levels remain low in the region.
People affected by the viral illness should:
drink plenty of fluids.
take paracetemol for aches, pains and fever.
rest and avoid strenuous activity.