The HSE has advised that despite rates of influenza dropping recently, they have risen again this week.

This is particularly evident in the 5-14 year age group.

The HSE would like to remind schools that there is advice on dealing with influenza and influenza like illness in the documents available at http://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/influenza/seasonalinfluenza/guidance/schools/

The HSE would particularly stress the importance of hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.