A lot of people are getting sick as we enter 2017.
If you have the symptoms of cold and flu you are being advised to get the flu vaccination, with levels of influenza and respiratory illness rising throughout Ireland.
In the past week alone, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, the rate of the illness has doubled.
Those with the symptoms are being advised to visit their local pharmacist of GP to get the vaccine. People are also being told to drink plenty of fluids, eat healthily and get plenty of rest.
The Irish Times reports that older people in particular are at the greatest risk of falling sick with the predominant flu strain AH3.
So far, 96 people have been hospitalised with flu this winter, and most of those are aged 65 or older.
Eight people have been admitted to critical care units and one person has died.
The HSE are keen to point out that most flu-like symptoms are usually just the result of a heavy cold or a chest infection and can be cured with home care.
The Under The Weather offers advice for those – young or old – who are feeling sick.
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