Six people have died and others hospitalised as flu season arrives early in Ireland

Six people have died from the flu as sickness season has arrived early in Ireland this year. 

Last week, it was announced that the number of confirmed cases has increased by almost 40%.

The number of hospitalisations has increased by 9% compared to last year, with five people having been admitted to intensive care so far.

A HSE spokesperson, Dr Éamonn O'Moore has told Newstalk that that is not unusual.

"We know that flu does change from year to year - which is why we have to change the elements of vaccines every year," he said.

Cases are the highest among those aged over 80 and among children between the ages of 1 and 4, according to a report in the Irish Times.

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Dr O'Moore is reminding people that a flu vaccine is available at your local pharmacy or GP's office, adding that it's "really important" to get vaccinated.

After getting the vaccine, it takes about two weeks for people to develop immunity.

Flu season is expected to be at its highest towards the end of December and beginning of January as family and friends come together to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

"That makes it really important for people to take all the interventions they can now, the vaccine being the most effective, to prevent people getting complications," Dr O'Moore said. 

People can check their eligibility for a free flu vaccine on the HSE’s website.