The Daily Star Ireland
Due to a rise in flu cases, several hospitals nationwide have implemented visitor restrictions, including a mask mandate at University Hospital Kerry and Cork University Hospital.
On New Year’s Eve, there were 1,017 flu patients hospitalized, up from 984 on Monday, 869 the previous day, and 562 last Tuesday.
HSE head Bernard Gloster reported that 62 of the 1,017 flu patients are in ICU, with 25 on ventilators. He emphasized the severity of the situation, noting the serious illness caused by the flu.
The ICU patients are primarily older individuals and young children affected by RSV, which can severely impact infants and young kids.
Gloster mentioned that the high number of flu hospitalizations is expected to peak this week, but could rise again after the holiday break as schools reopen and people interact more. He anticipates that high flu hospitalizations will persist throughout January.
Public cooperation with visitor restrictions is urged to prevent infection spread. Gloster acknowledged the difficulty for families but stressed the importance of protecting patients and preventing infections in healthcare settings.
From December 20-27, 34,000 people visited hospital emergency departments, a 6,500 increase from last year, adding pressure to hospital services. The HSE advises against visiting hospitals if experiencing symptoms of cold, flu, COVID-19, or other viral illnesses. Visitors should wear masks and sanitize their hands upon entry and exit.
The University of Limerick hospital group has visitor restrictions at its six hospitals due to high emergency department attendances and admissions. They reported a 200% increase in flu admissions, with 76 patients on Monday compared to 25 the previous week.
The HSE highlighted that respiratory illnesses, particularly influenza, are impacting hospital emergency departments, inpatient care, ambulance services, and GP services, causing extreme busyness in all hospitals.
Visitor restrictions are also enforced at Midlands Regional Hospitals in Tullamore and Portlaoise, Regional Hospital Mullingar, Naas General Hospital, and Tipperary University Hospital. All hospitals in the HSE South West regional area, including University Hospital Kerry, Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Bantry General Hospital, and Mallow General Hospital, have visitor restrictions in place. UHK and CUH have implemented mask mandates for visitors.
On Monday, 5,150 patients visited emergency departments nationwide, with 1,200 being admitted.
