Principal describes situation as more severe than Covid with 170 pupils off sick in one day

The head of Ebrington Primary School in County Londonderry described the situation as reminiscent of the Covid pandemic, after 170 pupils were reported sick in a single day. Brian Guthrie revealed that several children required hospital visits, with a few admitted for treatment during the previous week.

Recent official data show that confirmed flu cases among both children and adults across Northern Ireland have surged, rising from 273 to 954 within two weeks.

Mr. Guthrie also noted that classroom assistants were absent due to illness. "It's not only flu there have been stomach bugs, severe sore throats, and other ailments. Last week was extremely challenging because of the number of staff and pupils off," he told BBC's North West Today program.

"Honestly, it reminded me of 2020. Attendance last week was lower than at any of the worst points during Covid, which was quite a shock," he added.

The high level of absences impacted teaching, preventing teachers from progressing with literacy and numeracy lessons. Mr. Guthrie observed that younger children were affected early in the week, while older pupils in P5 to P7 showed higher absence rates by the week's end.

Severe Flu Outbreak Hits Young People

Seasonal illnesses such as flu typically rise in winter, but experts warn that this year's outbreak could be the most severe in a decade. Children are particularly affected, with a Belfast pediatrician describing it as the worst influenza season she has encountered.

Data from the Public Health Agency for the week ending 30 November show that under-fives had the highest number of confirmed flu cases, while children aged five to 14 had the highest positivity rate at 54.2%, meaning those tested were highly likely to have the virus.

Increased Demand for Flu Vaccines

Liam Bradley, a Derry community pharmacist, reported higher demand for flu vaccines compared to last year. "Every pharmacy receives a set quota of vaccines, which we had exhausted in all branches. Additional orders have been placed," he said. Temporary shortages may occur as pharmacies await new supplies, but the Department of Health is working to ensure vaccine availability.

He added that the vaccine takes around seven to ten days to provide protection against the flu.

Author: Ava Mitchell