Hospitals bracing for 'very significant' flu season 

The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly said that Government is working with the Covid Advisory Group to develop a “comprehensive plan”. Photo: Julien Behal

Ireland could have an early and “very significant” flu season which could pressure the health system if it coincides with another Covid-19 surge later this year, the Health Minister has warned.

Speaking in St Vincent’s Hospital, Stephen Donnelly said it was “inevitable” that elective procedures in hospitals would be cancelled if Covid-19 surged alongside flu and other respiratory illnesses, and that plans were being put in place to deal with such a situation.