Catherine Conlon: Getting the flu vaccine now will protect your loved ones this Christmas

The number of flu cases that have ended up in hospital has almost doubled in a single week

As flu numbers are predicted to peak over Christmas week, anyone visiting a nursing home over the festive period should ensure that they are vaccinated. File photo: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg

"The impact of RSV is enormous," tweeted anaesthetic consultant in paediatric intensive care, Dr Suzanne Crowe, on X this week. "No babies in paediatric ICU as all vaccinated — it’s wonderful."

Public health consultant, Dr Niall Conroy agreed: "God I remember the years of being absolutely swamped with really sick paediatric RSV patients."