Principal Brian Guthrie of Ebrington Primary School in Northern Ireland reported a significant surge in illnesses, with 170 pupils absent on one day, reminiscent of Covid times. Confirmed flu cases in the region have tripled recently, with a concerning rise in hospital admissions among children due to a more infectious H3 strain. Despite a flu vaccine program in schools, uptake remains below 50%, and the Public Health Authority warns this outbreak could be the worst in a decade. Mr. Guthrie noted the high absenteeism has severely impacted learning, particularly in literacy and numeracy.
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