Three people have died and more than 400 people have been hospitalised due to influenza this winter season, according to the latest figures from the infectious disease watchdog.
On Thursday, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) published latest data on respiratory illnesses in the State.
The number of notified influenza cases increased by 91 per cent in the a week, from 277 to 528 cases for the week ending December 8th.
The number of hospitalisations doubled when compared to the previous seven days, with 149 hospitalisations and two ICU admissions last week. There have been more than 400 flu hospitalisations since the end of September.
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During the flu season to date, eight ICU admissions and three deaths have been reported. Influenza hospitalisations are mainly affecting older adults and young children, the HSE said.
There has also been an increase in flu outbreaks in health and care settings in the past week.
Covid-19 activity remained stable last week, the HPSC said, with cases decreasing by 17 per cent from 138 to 114. Hospitalisations also decreased to 37, while intensive care admissions and deaths “remained low”.
Respiratory Synctial Virus (RSV) were generally stable last week when there were 305 cases reported, with the number of cases highest among those aged less than one year. There were 113 hospitalisations and three ICU admissions. No RSV deaths have been reported this winter season.
Dr Colm Henry, chief clinical officer of HSE, said flu is “actively circulating in the community”, warning rates of Covid-19 could also increase in the coming weeks.
“I would urge all those who are eligible to put winter vaccines on your to-do list and get them done. This will keep you and your family protected, allowing you to concentrate on all the things that need to be done in the build up to Christmas,” he said.
“This year, we have extended the flu vaccine to more people, making it available for free to everyone aged 60 years and older.”
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