Zero: The number of flu cases reported in Ireland this winter

Since September 1,127,236 influenza vaccinations were provided by GPs and Pharmacists.

In a report released by the HSE it shows that there have been no cases of flu in Ireland since October. Flu season in Ireland runs from October to April. In its report, the HSE noted that, "since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, influenza activity globally has remained at low levels." It also noted that changed behaviours since the start of the pandemic have played a role in the low flu numbers:

"The various hygiene and physical distancing measures implemented by Member States to reduce SARS-CoV-2 virus transmission have likely played a role in reducing influenza virus transmission."

The report shows that European numbers are in line with lower-than-expected flu numbers reported in the Caribbean, South and Central America and in Asia. The proportion of self-reported cough calls to GP Out-of-Hours services remained high in all age groups. Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ireland has had 75,203 cases of Covid-19 resulting in 2,117 deaths.