Increase in flu and respiratory illness post Christmas

Over 700 people are in hospital with flu.

742 people have been hospitalised with flu as pressure increases on acute hospitals in the post-Christmas period, according to the HSE. While the health body had expected and planned for a surge in hospitalisations at this time, the numbers so far are at the upper end of what they had predicted.

According to HSE CEO Bernard Gloster, the healthcare system and acute hospitals have been working well over the Christmas period, with senior clinical staff on site ensuring patients are discharged when possible, and ensuring efficient patient flow through Emergency Departments.

“We expect pressure to continue over the coming days and we would urge the public to use alternative healthcare services for treatment such as GP, GP Out of Hours, injury units and pharmacies when appropriate,” he continued. “But if patients are very sick and in an emergency situation, they should of course come to their nearest Emergency Department.”

Meanwhile, since Friday, additional Daytime GP expanded clinics have been made available from some practices and patients should check if their GP is participating in this arrangement. Additional supports for GP OOH services are also being provided.

It’s still not too late to get vaccinated and flu and COVID-19 vaccination for target groups remains available - to see what vaccines are recommended for you: visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.

People are being advised to visit their local pharmacy for treating the common cold; contact the family doctor as necessary; or access the GP out-of-hours service which is “a high quality clinical service for urgent care”.