Seasonal respiratory virus data available in new interactive report
COVID-19 activity is at moderate levels. Influenza and RSV activity remains stable with low numbers of cases reported. Rhino and enteroviruses are circulating at high levels. Other seasonal respiratory viruses remain at low levels.
Summary data
- COVID-19 activity decreased during week 41. There were 327 cases of COVID-19 notified, a 20% decrease from the previous week. The number of COVID-19 hospitalisations decreased by 23% to 134 during week 41, and ICU admissions and deaths remained low.
- Influenza activity remains stable, and numbers low. There were 44 cases, 14 hospitalisations and no ICU cases. There was one influenza A death reported in week 41. The highest notification rates were in those aged 80 years and older.
- RSV activity remains low and stable. There were 13 cases, 6 hospitalisations, no ICU cases and no deaths reported. The highest notification and hospitalisation rates were in children aged 1-4 years.
Explore the latest weekly data
Interactive access to weekly data for seasonal respiratory viruses circulating in Ireland this Winter is available in the latest Integrated Respiratory Virus (IRV) bulletin.
The HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) IRV bulletin, displays, for the first time, data for all seasonal respiratory viruses circulating in Ireland this Winter in a single interactive report. It also makes it easy to compare week on week trends of flu, COVID-19 and RSV simultaneously.
Public health advice
Widespread circulation of seasonal respiratory viruses often leads to an increase in people experiencing severe disease. Increased circulation in the community also leads to increased numbers of outbreaks in nursing homes, hospitals and other healthcare settings, putting vulnerable patients at risk of infection and leading to winter virus-related healthcare staff shortages.
It is important to remain vigilant for the symptoms of respiratory illness and take steps to prevent spread in both the community and in healthcare settings, to protect vulnerable people at high risk of severe disease.
Advice and guidance
Both flu and COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for people aged 60 and over, healthcare workers, anyone who is pregnant or has a long term health condition.
Both vaccines are available from participating GPs and pharmacies, and can be given at the same time. Healthcare worker vaccination clinics will also take place in many workplaces across the country.
For advice on preventing the spread of COVID-19 and what to do if you have symptoms, go to: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/preventing-the-spread/
For advice on preventing the spread of flu and what to do if you have symptoms, go to: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/flu/symptoms-diagnosis/
For advice on preventing the spread of RSV and what to do if you have symptoms, go to: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/rsv/
Guidance on infection prevention and control in health care settings is available at: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/guidanceforhealthcareworkers/