Flu viruses are now circulating in Ireland, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
There were 37 laboratory confirmed influenza cases last week, representing just under a quarter of all confirmed cases since the start of the flu season in early October.
Flu-like illness consultations significantly increased last week, up approximately 25 per cent on the week before.
Killarney GP Gary Stack says Covid safety habits will protect from both viruses:
"Flu is very a similar illness to COVID. Symptoms will be very much the same. The precautions we're taking, from the point of view of COVID, will also protect us from the flu. Using a mask, social distancing, the hand washing, coughing into your sleeve: all those will prevent transfer of the bug from one patient to another. If you're confirmed with the flu, symptoms mainly will be that of fever."
