Doctors warn of 'surge' in flu cases as concerns remain around RSV case numbers

Young babies and children under four are the most vulnerable, this winter’s data shows.

Parents of young children have been urged to be aware of warning signs of illness as RSV cases remain high and cases of the flu are surging, a public health doctor with HSE Cork/Kerry said.

Dr Nicola Murphy, specialist registrar in public health medicine, said influenza is a main concern in the region. “The influenza virus is really on the up-turn at the moment, we are seeing a surge at the moment,” she warned.

Ireland and other European countries look to southern hemisphere countries for flu season predictions as their winters precedes ours. “The early warning signs indicate there is concern,” she said.

“We know that in the southern hemisphere they saw very high levels of flu, and that is usually an indicator for our own winter.” 

She urged parents of young children to consider vaccination. “It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take effect, so there is still time for people to get it,” she said. “We still haven’t seen the peak of the influenza season so I would urge anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated.” 

She advised vaccinating children also boosts protection for older people such as grandparents.

While weekly numbers of new RSV cases have dipped from a high of 985 earlier this month, she said it remains another main concern. “Always trust yourself, if you feel as a parent that your child is not well you should absolutely seek medical attention,” she said. 

“If a parent really feels there is something not right with a child, they should trust that instinct.” 

Young babies and children under four are the most vulnerable, this winter’s data shows. “The younger the child is, the lower the threshold (for seeking advice) should be,” she said, "whether it is phoning for advice or going to a clinic." 

Dr Murphy echoed advice HSE advice around cocooning newborns.

“I know it is the season of Christmas, but I think limiting the amount of visits particularly for a young vulnerable baby, or maybe a child under four who has other conditions (is helpful),” she said.

Warning signs include high temperature not responding to efforts to reduce it, difficulty in breathing, a child not feeding well and feeling lethargic.

Last winter, parents were also on the alert for iGAS (invasive Group A streptococcal) infections. Data from January to the end of November shows 509 cases notified compared to an average of 117 cases for the same times in 2017–2019.

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“Between August and October the total iGas cases had returned to expected levels, the same as in pre-pandemic years,” she said. However, the latest data she has up to December 2, shows “there has been a slight increase in iGas cases again, which are predominantly in adults. 

"This is more in keeping with the typical picture.” Dr Murphy added, however: “Overall levels have returned to baseline particularly in children, but there is a slight increase in cases predominantly in adults.” 

So far this year 20 adult and eight children’s deaths have been reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre including one adult death last month. 

Pop-up flu clinics for children run next week in: 

• Ballinlough (December 28 in Nemo Rangers GAA club)
• Bantry (December 29 in Newtown Vaccination Centre) 
• Tralee (December 29 Tralee Vaccination Hub)