The Health Service Executive has moved to quell fears following the second swine flu death in Ireland.
A man in the east of the country died from the virus (H1N1) last night. He had contracted it from another person in Ireland.
It is understood that the man did not have an apparent underlying medical condition.
The family has asked that no further details be released.
On RTÉ’s News at One, HSE Assistant National Director of Health Dr Kevin Kelleher said swine flu was a mild disease for the vast majority of people and only a very small proportion of sufferers needed hospital treatment.
He said a small number of people die from the disease.
Dr Kelleher said the latest death was 'a very sad event'.
The HSE and Minister for Health Mary Harney have offered their sympathy to the family and friends of the victim.
Earlier this month, an 18-year-old woman from Sligo died from the virus at Tallaght Hospital. She had an underlying medical condition.
The HSE says around 1,400 people a week are presenting to their GPs with flu-like illnesses. 50 people have been hospitalised to date.
There have also been outbreaks at some colleges and around 50 people have been hospitalised.
Dr Kelleher said the closure of schools or third-level institutions was not an issue.
He said the virus would probably fade between now and the traditional flu season and then return. The scale and severity of it on its return can not be determined at this time.
Read the HSE's information on Influenza A(H1N1).
