Summary
A school in County Londonderry reported that 170 pupils were absent in one day due to various illnesses, including a severe flu outbreak. The number of confirmed flu cases in Northern Ireland has increased significantly, affecting many young children. Some hospitals attended to children, with a few needing admission.
Key Facts
- Ebrington Primary School had 170 pupils absent in one day due to sickness.
- Students experienced flu, stomach bugs, and sore throats among other illnesses.
- Confirmed flu cases in Northern Ireland have increased from 273 to 954 in two weeks.
- The flu outbreak is said to be the most severe in a decade in Northern Ireland.
- Under-fives had the highest number of confirmed flu cases recently.
- Five to 14-year-olds showed a high rate of flu positivity.
- Demand for flu vaccines has surged, leading to temporary shortages.
- The flu vaccine takes about 7 to 10 days to provide protection.
