Flu cases among children and adults in the north have more than trebled in the last two weeks, according to the latest figures.
The latest statistics from the Public Health Agency revealed that there were 954 influenza cases this week, up from 273 recorded two weeks ago.
There were also an additional 264 flu-related hospital admissions, up from 144 the previous week.
Read more: NI vaccination appeal amid ‘very concerning’ increase in ‘nasty’ flu cases
For the week ending November 23, positivity rate of infection was highest among children aged five to 14 (52.3%).
Across the north, infection rate varied by council area, with Causeway Coast & Glens recording the highest rate of 36 per 100,000 population.
Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon and Belfast were the next highest areas, with rates of 29.2 and 28.1 per 100,000 population respectively.
Meanwhile, Ards & North Down recorded the lowest rate of infection per 100,000 population at 14.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt told the PA news agency that the numbers were “very concerning” and that the flu outbreak has “come very early” and “hit us extremely hard”.
He has encouraged members of the public to take get a flu vaccine, particularly those who have an underlying condition.
While the number of flu cases has been steadily on the rise, the number of COVID-19 and RSV infections has fallen in recent weeks.
Over the last six weeks, the number of COVID-19 cases has fallen by almost 80% – from 97 to 20.