The severe cold and wintry conditions have led to a heightened flu warning from Irish health consultants.
Medics are urging people to take extra preventative measures to stop the spread of flu amid cold conditions.
Ireland has been hit with snow, sleet, ice and high winds as an Arctic storm batters the country. While everyone wraps up against the cold, doctors are warning people with colds and flu to avoid spreading the risk of illness to others.
Infectious diseases Consultant Professor Sam McConkey and Respiratory consultant Professor Joe Keane told the Irish Independent that people need to follow infection-control practices throughout the week.
“Washing of hands is more important than putting on a second pair of socks,” Professor Keane said.
The HSE’s advice on UnderTheWeather.ie asks people with flu to avoid leaving their homes during their period of illness:
“People with flu are usually infectious a day before symptoms start and remain infectious for five or six days. Try to avoid all unnecessary contact with others during this time to avoid spreading the illness to them.
“Coughing and sneezing spreads the germs that caused your flu in the first place. You can avoid spreading the flu germs by coughing and sneezing into a tissue, binning the tissue immediately and washing your hands afterwards.”
For more flu advice, read the latest column from Dr Ciaran Roarty of Scally McDaid Medical Practice Letterkenny:
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