Flu outbreak expected to peak on Christmas week as over 600 people hospitalised

Flu outbreak and visiting times restrictions in place at University Hospital Limerick. The HSE advised people to get their seasonal flu vaccine, wash their hands frequently, and stay away from others if they are feeling unwell. Picture: Dan Linehan

Over 600 people are hospitalised with the flu this Tuesday as hospital workers are bracing themselves for Christmas week, according to HSE CEO.

Bernard Gloster said 816 were hospitalised last week, while 634 are in the hospital with the flu today. "We had been predicting a range of 700 to 1,500 cases being in hospital on any one day at the height of the flu," Mr Gloster said.