The Daily Star Ireland
Over 400 individuals have been hospitalized due to flu this winter, with expectations of high case numbers around Christmas and New Year.
On Monday, interim Chief Medical Officer Professor Mary Horgan encouraged people to get the flu vaccine, noting that the highest incidence of flu is seen in children aged one to four years and in those aged 80 and older.
Dr. Lois O’Connor, a Public Medicine Consultant with the HSE, reported 528 flu cases last week, which is double the figure from the previous week. Among these, 149 required hospitalization. She emphasized the importance of staying home if you feel unwell.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Dr. O’Connor advised taking paracetamol, staying hydrated, and resting. If symptoms worsen, she recommended seeking medical advice. She stressed the importance of staying home when sick to avoid spreading the flu, urging people to skip the office, social gatherings, and visits to friends and family until fully recovered and symptom-free for 48 hours.
Dr. O’Connor also cautioned against visiting vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and young children, if you have flu symptoms, noting that children can easily spread the virus. Hospitals are particularly busy during this period, and flu hospitalizations will impact bed availability.
She stated that flu cases are starting to appear in emergency departments and are increasing in hospitals. Dr. O’Connor also highlighted that it is not too late to get COVID-19 and flu vaccines, which are available for free to a broad group of people, including those aged 65 and older, healthcare workers, and children aged two to 17.
