<p>
	The HSE has warned that flu could kill 1,000 people this winter and &#39;at risk&#39; groups should ensure that they get the jab.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Dr Brenda Corcoran, Head of the HSE&#39;s National Immunisation Office, said the vaccine is the only defence against flu.</p>
<p>
	Yet every year many people in the most vulnerable groups fail to get vaccinated and so put themselves at risk of serious illness or even death.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The vaccine reduces infection and associated illnesses and hospitalisation.</p>
<p>
	The over-65s, people with chronic illness and pregnant women are among the risk groups who should get the vaccine.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	Indications suggest that national uptake figures show that 55.4pc of people aged 65 and over who hold a medical card or GP visit card received the flu vaccine during the 2015-2016 flu season.</p>
<p>
	This uptake rate is lower than in the two previous seasons and less than the World Health Organisation target of 75pc.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	The symptoms of flu usually develop over a matter of a few hours.</p>
<p>
	Symptoms include a high temperature, sore muscles, dry cough, headache and sore throat.</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	&quot;Flu is very infectious and can cause potentially serious illnesses especially for older people, those who have a chronic illness, those with weakened immune systems and pregnant women,&quot; Dr Brenda Corcoran said.</p>
<p>
	She added: &quot;Seasonal flu vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy and also protects the baby.&quot;</p>
<p>
	&nbsp;</p>
<p>
	(Published by the Irish Independent on the 3rd October 2016)</p>
<p>
	<a href="http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/flu-could-kill-1000-in-winter-hse-35098360.html">http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/health/flu-could-kill-1000-in-winter-hse-35098360.html</a></p>
