Hospitals have introduced visitor restrictions as flu cases surge, with University Hospital Kerry and Cork University Hospital implementing mask mandates for visitors.
This comes as flu-related hospitalisations reached 1,017 on New Year’s Eve, up from 984 on Monday, 869 on Sunday, and 562 the previous Tuesday, reflecting a sharp rise over the past week.
According to Bernard Gloster, Head of the Health Service Executive, 62 of those hospitalised with flu are currently in intensive care, with 25 requiring ventilators. He described the figures as alarmingly high and highlighted the severe impact the virus can have on vulnerable individuals.
The majority of ICU patients are older adults and very young children. Many of the latter group are being treated for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which poses significant risks to infants and young children, compounding the strain on hospitals.
Gloster stated that the high hospitalisation figures for flu were anticipated as this week’s peak. While a temporary decline may occur, he warned that cases are expected to rise again as schools reopen and increased post-holiday interactions drive further transmission.
He predicted that the elevated numbers of flu cases, along with a continued need for hospital care, are likely to persist throughout January. Health officials are urging the public to take precautions to minimise the spread of the virus, especially among vulnerable populations.