More than 400 hospitalised with flu so far this winter

More than 400 people have been hospitalised with flu so far this winter, and high case levels are expected between Christmas and the New Year.

On Monday, interim Chief Medical Officer Professor Mary Horgan urged people to get the flu vaccine, saying the incidence of flu is highest in those aged one to four years, followed by those aged 80 and older.

HSE Public Medicine Consultant Dr Lois O’Connor said 528 cases of the flu were recorded last week, which was double the number from the previous week.

Of those, 149 were hospitalised, she said, adding that it is important to stay at home if you feel unwell.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, she said: “Take some paracetamol, fluids, rest up. If you feel you’re getting worse and are concerned about your health, seek medical advice.

“It’s really important if you are sick that you stay at home. Don’t go into the office, don’t go to the Christmas party, don’t visit friends and family until you are recovered and 48 hours after your symptoms are gone.”

Dr O’Connor advised those who have symptoms not to visit vulnerable relatives, such as the elderly or young children.

She also warned that children who have the flu can spread the virus easily.

Hospitals are always “very busy” this time of the year, she said, and flu hospitalisations will impact on bed occupancy.

“We will see this in the coming weeks, we will see an impact on our acute hospital services,” she said.

“It’s starting to present at emergency departments and increasing in hospitals.”

Dr O’Connor said it is “not too late” to get Covid and flu vaccines, adding that they are available for free to a large cohort of people, including those aged 65 and older, healthcare workers and children aged two to 17.