CORK UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL has introduced visitor restrictions in an effort to reduce the spread of flu.

The HSE said visits are restricted to one visitor per patient per day for a maximum of 15 minutes. Compassionate exceptions can be arranged in advance by contacting the relevant ward.

Visitors must also wear surgical masks and use hand sanitiser, which will be provided at the entrance to the hospital.

There is no visiting outside of visiting times of 2pm to 4pm or 6pm to 8pm.

The health service said the measures will remain in place for as long as clinically necessary.

“Unfortunately, flu rates in the community remain high, and we must continue visitor restrictions at CUH to protect our patients,” the hospital’s CEO Jennifer Kearney said.

“We are very grateful for the public’s continued cooperation and understanding as it makes a real difference to patient safety.”

Kearney also encouraged people to get the flu vaccine if they haven’t received it yet. 

“We are still seeing patients hospitalised with influenza and presenting at our emergency department. Getting vaccinated now offers important protection for you and for those around you.”

According to the latest report from the Health Surveillance Protection Centre, there were 1,811 cases of flu reported last week, down from some 2,047 cases in the last week of 2025. 

Flu hospitalisations have also fallen by 15%, from 502 cases to 429 cases.