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. 

"That range has now narrowed to a band of 800 to 1,100. We will also see the same number of new cases hospitalised per week. The latest modelling data available to me today is that the flu will peak Christmas week (week 52).”

According to a spokesperson for the HSE, the flu strain in circulation at the moment is "easily transmissible" and can make people feel "very unwell".

"People are asked to consider a number of steps at this point in the flu season, including the importance of key protective measures for all, and especially during periods of high transmission," they said.

The number of reported flu cases in the week ending December 13 (week 50) was 3,287. This is up from 41 cases in week 40; 457 cases in week 45; and 2,943 cases in week 49. 

While the rate of growth is slowing the rate of infection is growing and very active in the community.

Surveillance figures report the continued presence of covid-19 albeit reduced from 427 cases in Week 40 to 171 cases in week 50. RSV is growing and in the same period rose from 18 to 435.

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The HSE advised people to get their seasonal flu vaccine, wash their hands frequently, and stay away from others if they are feeling unwell.

As emergency departments are seeing unprecedented attendances for this time of year, they noted people will be seen in accordance with the triage of their presentation, and have urged them to consider all of the options available before showing up to a hospital. 

Speaking of the trolley wait, Mr Gloster added: "We have a long way to go and I want to thank our healthcare workers for responding to the minister’s support for the reforms and resources that have enabled this. 

"We are working at full capacity to support people and while I anticipate serious pressures in the next short while I am confident that working with the community, we will manage this season and the impact of this early and hard hitting flu."