Influenza cases and hospitalisations more than doubled in the last week

Published:

  • Projections show flu will continue to increase over coming weeks
  • There is still time to get your flu vaccine at participating GPs and pharmacies
  • To prevent passing the flu on to others, stay at home if you are unwell.
  • Follow HSE advice to keep yourself and others well this Christmas 

Influenza activity in Ireland is continuing to increase with case and hospitalisations numbers both more than doubling in the last week according to new data from the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre. 

During week 51 2024 influenza activity continued to increase. Case numbers increased from 999 cases in week 50 2024 to 2375 cases in week 51 2024. The greatest number of cases was in adults aged 65 years and older. 

The number of influenza hospitalisations doubled from 264 in week 50 to 531 in week 51. Influenza A(H1)pdm09 is the predominant virus circulating. 

The HSE is urging all those eligible to get their winter vaccines ahead of Christmas to protect themselves, and their family and friends from the worst impacts of flu and COVID-19. 

Flu is circulating in the community and it will continue to increase over the coming weeks. 

Unfortunately, every winter we see rises in certain infections, including seasonal flu and winter vomiting virus (norovirus). While for many, such illnesses are unpleasant but relatively mild, for some people, especially the very young or those who are older, and some with underlying medical conditions, these infections can be very serious. To protect ourselves, those vulnerable adults and children in our lives, and to support our health and care services, it is really important that we do everything we can to reduce the risk of spread of infection.  

There are a few simple things we can do to protect ourselves and those who are most vulnerable in our communities. You should stay home when you are unwell, avoid people with symptoms, wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes. 

During this busy time, try to make time to check in with more vulnerable family, friends and neighbours. If someone becomes ill, there are several options available for them, depending on the illness. Being prepared, and helping them be prepared means they will get treated in the right place at the right time. 

Christmas Care Advice:

  • Vaccination is the best protection – Getting vaccinated is the most effective way of preventing infections. Flu is now circulating in the community and will continue to increase over the coming weeks. Flu vaccination is available at participating GPs and pharmacies. See www.hse.ie/flu for more information. You can also get your COVID-19 booster, if eligible, at the same time.
  • Home and Pharmacy – For milder symptoms or the common cold, treat at home and visit the local pharmacy for treating the common cold. Ensure to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
  • GPs – If symptoms don't improve over time, or if they worsen, call the GP who can help with non-urgent illnesses. Make sure you or the person you care for are registered with a GP, check out the GP finder.
  • GP Out of Hours – if urgent GP care is needed out of hours, GP out-of-hours service is a high quality clinical service available for urgent care. Know the Christmas opening arrangements of the local service.
  • Injury UnitsInjury units can treat many of the non-life threatening injuries people go to the emergency department for. For example, broken bones, dislocations, and minor burns. You can get treatment such as x-rays, plaster casts, and wound care.
  • Fill prescriptions – People who may need regular prescriptions are urged to get them filled by their own pharmacy in advance of Christmas.
  • Stock first aid boxes – People are advised to check their first aid boxes are well stocked to treat minor ailments at home e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen and a thermometer.
  • Reduce the risk - If you feel unwell, with symptoms which could be flu or another respiratory infection, please do not visit hospitals, care homes or vulnerable older or very young people until you are well for at least 48 hours- this will reduce the risk of spreading infection to those most at risk of harm from it.
  • HSE website – People should also check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats and keeping well.
  • Advance care planning – If you are caring for someone that is terminally ill, please have medicines that are recommended by your Palliative Care team or GP for situations that could arise.
  • Emergency departments are always available to treat seriously ill patients and the sickest patients are seen first. People with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen.  

Visit the HSE website for health information and advice, including tips for eating well, exercise and physical activity, and minding your mental health over the festive period. 

If you have a loved one in hospital, please also be aware of any hospital visiting restrictions due to circulating infections over the Christmas period. More information can be found on the HSE website.