A strain of swine flu now circulating in Ireland has left up to four people dead.
The HSE has identified the H1N1 strain in a number of patients and says more people will be affected.
It's warning the outbreak could spread more rapidly as children return to school on Monday.
Dr Kevin Kelleher (pictured) is the HSE’s Assistant National Director for Public Health.
He said pregnant women and people aged under 65 with chronic conditions particularly need to get the flu vaccine.
"The flu virus reservoir is in children and adolescents, so that's why we will see a significant upsurge in the next couple of weeks," he added.
