Aussie flu has hit Ireland and the HSE have confirmed it has claimed its first victims.
The strain of the disease - also known as H3N2 - has already killed 300 in Australia
The HSE revealed on Sunday that "less than 10 people" have already died from the so-called 'Aussie flu' outbreak .
And doctors are now warning that children - particularly those aged between five and 14 - could be most at risk.
Across the whole of Ireland, where Aussie flu first appeared earlier this year, the strain has led to 73 hospitalisations so far this winter - with 19 of those in the last week of December.
Kevin Kelleher of the HSE told Independent.ie: "There have been a few deaths already... under 10 people have died so far this year.
"I don't give specific numbers when it's less than 10 because people could be identified.
"There are deaths every year that happen directly as a result of the flu, which account for about 18 to 20 fatalities.
"On average, there are about 400 to 600 deaths a year which are associated with the flu indirectly.
"For example, these are people who may have died because of the heart disease, linked to the flu."
He warned influenza B - of which 'Aussie flu' is one strain - particularly affects children aged between five and 14.
Last week, Conor McGregor revealed that he and his family have been struck down by the highly contagious Aussie flu.
The MMA fighter took to Instagram to share a candid post in which he revealed his New Year's Eve party had been cancelled as he was sick in bed.
He also added that some members of his family had been hospitalised after catching the flu which is caused by the H3N2 virus.
The Notorious shared a photo of himself tucked up in bed with his adorable six-month-old son Conor Junior sitting next to him.
He wrote: "Well, that was a wild New Year's Eve. Half the family hit with the Australian flu virus and some even left in hospital with it. I've never even been to Australia wtf.
"One of the most intense few days I've gone through. Big New Year's Eve party cancelled at the last minute and I am left shaking in bed the past two days".
Reflecting on the past year, Conor added: "I'll leave that with the rest of the bad behind me in 2017 and take with me the many great experiences I've had this year!
"None greater than the birth of my son Conor Jr. and the continued support of my family, my friends and my dedicated staff through thick and thin".
This comes as the number of patients on trolleys in Irish hospitals hit a record high on Tuesday, with a staggering 656 people waiting for a bed.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of most flu, including H3N2, are similar, but different strains can be more severe or contagious than others.
Symptoms can include a sudden fever, aches, exhaustion, a dry chesty cough, headaches, sore throat s, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting and trouble sleeping, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Children can also get ear pain.
What is the difference between flu and a cold?
The symptoms may be similar to a common cold, but flu tends to be more severe.
Flu tends to come on in a few hours, makes you feel exhausted and affects more than the nose and throat alone.
It can also lead to much more serious complications like pneumonia.
How can you protect yourself?
Flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours.
The flu vaccine is the best protection we have, though flu strains change so it needs to be done every year.
Anyone can help prevent the virus from spreading by washing their hands regularly, covering their mouth and nose with tissues or a sleeve when they cough or sneeze, and cleaning surfaces they suspect are infected.
How can you treat flu?
Flu usually clears up by itself after around a week, but there are ways you can recover more quickly.
Rest, sleep, keeping warm, taking paracetamol or ibuprofen and drinking lots of water are all recommended.
You can seek advice most easily from a pharmacist, and are encouraged not to call 999 or go to A&E unless you develop sudden chest pain, have trouble breathing or start coughing blood.
Patients are advised to only go to their GP if their symptoms fail to improve after seven days, they are a child, over-65, pregnant or have a long-term medical condition or weakened immune system.
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