The Health Service Executive has warned of a sharp rise in hospital admissions due to fever, respiratory diseases, and Covid-19 as winter intensifies across Ireland. As of Tuesday, December 30, the country recorded 2,321 respiratory patients and 1,777 people with fever over the past week, with 677 patients currently receiving hospital treatment.
The figures represent a decrease from the previous week, which saw 3,547 people affected by fever. However, health experts suggest this apparent decline may be misleading, likely resulting from reduced testing during the Christmas period rather than an actual decrease in illness prevalence.
Health authorities have issued warnings that respiratory diseases, including influenza, are expected to continue rising in the coming weeks. The anticipated increase is linked to heightened social contact during New Year celebrations and other gatherings, a pattern typically observed during January when such illnesses reach their peak.
The HSE has urged the public to follow Department of Health guidance to prevent disease spread. People who are unwell should stay home when possible to avoid transmitting infections to others. Regular vaccination remains a crucial preventive measure. For non-severe illnesses, patients are encouraged to consult their GP, visit walk-in clinics, or seek advice from pharmacists rather than attending hospital emergency departments. However, the HSE emphasizes that individuals experiencing severe symptoms should not delay seeking emergency care and should immediately proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.
In anticipation of increased patient numbers, additional GP clinics have been operating across the country from December 8 and will continue through February 15. These supplementary services are expected to accommodate approximately 140,000 additional patients during this critical winter period, helping to ease pressure on hospital emergency departments while ensuring people receive timely medical attention.