FLU SEASON MAY have peaked, but people should still remain vigilant about the risk of infection, according to the HSE’s latest report on it and other illnesses like Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

Last week, 1,777 flu cases were reported, which was down from 3,547 the week before. 

Still, the HSE has warned that hospitals around the country remain very busy and that levels of flu and other respiratory illnesses are expected to increase over the New Year period.

There are 677 people currently hospitalised with respiratory illness, which includes flu, Covid-19 and RSV, and 2,321 new respiratory illness cases were notified over the past week.

The HSE’s chief clinical officer Colm Henry urged people to follow public health advice, which includes staying at home when sick where possible, ensuring you are up to date with vaccination, and considering alternative healthcare services for treatment, such as GPs, injury units and pharmacies.

“But please be assured if patients are very sick and in an emergency situation, they should attend their nearest Emergency Department, which are always available,” Henry stressed. 

“The sickest patients are seen first, people with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen.”

Henry told RTÉ Radio today that this year’s flu season has not been as severe as past years, which he said is likely a result of higher vaccination uptake among older people in particular. 

He also praised healthcare workers for their efforts over the Christmas period.

“Many of our excellent staff have worked extremely hard to protect patients and services from the pressures caused by the high level of respiratory illness at this time, on top of the normal pressures caused by other illnesses and accidents,” he said.