Flu Outbreak Hits County Londonderry School Hard

The principal of a school in County Londonderry has expressed that the current situation feels reminiscent of the Covid times, as 170 students were sick on a single day.

Brian Guthrie from Ebrington Primary School noted that some children were sent to the hospital, with a few needing hospitalization for treatment last week.

Recent official data reveals that confirmed flu cases among both adults and children in Northern Ireland have surged more than threefold in just two weeks, increasing from 273 to 954.

The Director of Public Health at the Public Health Authority (PHA), Dr. Joanne McClean, predicts that numbers will continue to climb, labeling the current surge as an “epidemic.”

‘It Took Me Back to 2020’

Mr. Guthrie mentioned that the absence of classroom assistants due to illness further complicated the situation.

“It’s been more than just flu; we’ve also seen stomach bugs and sore throats. Last week was particularly tough with such high absenteeism among both pupils and staff,” he told the BBC’s North West Today programme.

“Honestly, it took me back to 2020. Attendance last week was actually worse than during the peak times of Covid, which was surprising.”

He noted that the significant absence affected teachers’ ability to introduce new literacy and numeracy learning.

Initially, younger students experienced higher absenteeism, but, by the end of the week, older students in grades P5 to P7 began to show increased absence as well, with early-week issues more prevalent among primary one and two students.

‘Most Severe Flu Outbreak in a Decade’

While seasonal illnesses like flu typically rise in winter, experts have warned that this year’s flu season may be the worst in a decade.

A children’s doctor in Belfast described it as the worst influenza outbreak she has encountered.

Data from the week ending 30 November shows that children under five had the highest number of confirmed flu cases of any age group, according to the PHA.

Meanwhile, five to 14-year-olds had the highest positivity rate at 54.2%, indicating while fewer were tested, a significant number of those tested were flu-positive.

Dr. Joanne McClean has termed the flu situation in Northern Ireland as an “epidemic.” She noted an “almost doubling” of both positive tests and hospital admissions due to flu in the week leading up to 30 November.

“We can expect to see even higher numbers in the coming week,” she stated on the BBC’s Evening Extra programme.

Dr. McClean explained that a variant strain of flu known as H3 is spreading rapidly, affecting children the most. However, she reassured that most children contracting flu will not require hospital admission.

Getting vaccinated can reduce the chances of a child needing hospital treatment by around 70%, she added.

The PHA oversees flu vaccinations in approximately 1,200 schools throughout Northern Ireland.

‘Flu Uptake Among Children Disappointing’

Vaccination rates for children across all age groups are currently below 50%, based on PHA figures.

Only about one in four preschool children have received the flu vaccine, and about one in three post-primary children have been vaccinated.

Dr. McClean expressed her disappointment, stating she would prefer an uptake rate of 85-90% for vaccinations among children.

• Preschool children (ages 2–4): 25.8%
• Primary school children (P1–P7): 44.7%
• Post-primary children (Year 8–12): 30.3%

Flu Vaccine Eligibility

In Northern Ireland, the flu vaccine is available at no cost for all preschool children aged two and over, all primary school students, and those in Years 8 to 12 in secondary school.

Additionally, individuals aged 65 and older, pregnant women, those with underlying health conditions, residents of care homes, and health and social care workers are also eligible for free vaccinations.

Vaccines can be obtained through GPs, community pharmacies, school vaccination programs, and local Trust clinics.

Those not eligible for free vaccines can still purchase them at pharmacies offering vaccination services.

Liam Bradley, a community pharmacist in Derry, stated that demand for flu vaccines this year has surpassed last year’s.

“Every pharmacy has a set quota for vaccines, and we’ve already used ours in all locations, but we’ve ordered more,” he mentioned.

He noted that while there might be temporary shortages, the Department of Health is working to ensure everyone receives the vaccine.

It typically takes about seven to ten days for the vaccine to provide protection against the flu.