Influenza is an acute respiratory illness caused by infection with an influenza virus. My Department monitors international research on influenza and supports the efforts of the WHO to combat this disease. The WHO has recently published a pandemic plan and, in conjunction with the statutory health service agencies and other relevant interests, my Department will be examining this with a view to ensuring that appropriate policies are put in place to deal with an epidemic, should such an eventuality arise.
Vaccination is not recommended to control the general spread of the disease. However the health boards make arrangements each year to purchase a stock of influenza vaccine for administration to persons in at-risk groups. My Department arranges to inform the health boards of the WHO's recommendations in relation to the strains of the virus which should be contained in the vaccines purchased.
As it is a virus, influenza is not treated with antibiotics and efforts are directed primarily towards prevention of the disease in those who are at risk of complications if they contract influenza. Much international research has been carried out in relation to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant organisms and at a European level Ireland is involved in the surveillance of these organisms. This country also participates in the formulation of EU policy in this area. National policy in relation to antibiotic-resistant organisms is currently being developed in co-operation with the National Disease Surveillance Centre.
