Flu cases will continue to rise rapidly over the coming weeks, with peak still to come
- Flu cases and hospitalisations will continue to increase over the coming weeks
- There is still time to get your flu vaccine at participating GPs and pharmacies
- HSE strongly encourages all healthcare workers to get their free flu vaccine
- To prevent passing the flu on to others, stay at home if you are unwell
- If you or your family feel unwell, there are care options. For more information on getting the right care from the right place visit www.hse.ie
Flu activity in Ireland is at high levels, with case and hospitalisation numbers both rising rapidly in the last week, according to new data from the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
The highest number of cases this winter season to date was recorded in those aged 65 years and older and less than 15 years, but flu cases are increasing in all age groups this season.
Flu vaccination significantly reduces hospitalizations by preventing severe illness and lowering the risk of serious complications. To date this season, 73% of ICU admissions due to flu had not received the current seasonal influenza vaccine.
In the week between 30 November and 6 December 2025:
- there were 2,944 flu cases reported - an increase of 49%, compared to 1,971 cases reported the previously week
- there were 1,622 flu Emergency Department (ED) cases reported – an increase of 55%, compared to 1072
- the number of flu hospitalisations also increased to 657 compared to 415 the previous week, with the highest number of hospitalised cases in those aged less than 15 years and over 65 years.
Influenza A(H3N2) is the main flu virus circulating this season.
For the latest data and information on flu, visit:
Respiratory Virus Notification Data Hub
HPSC - Integrated Respiratory Virus Bulletins
Every winter brings an increase in seasonal illnesses such as flu. While these illnesses are unpleasant but mild for many, they can be very serious for older adults, young children, and people with underlying health conditions. Flu is circulating widely in the community and will continue to increase over the coming weeks. Getting vaccinated remains the best protection against serious illness and hospitalisation.
The HSE is offering free flu vaccines at participating GP clinics, pharmacies, and community health centres.
All healthcare workers are recommended to get the flu vaccine. Vaccination clinics will take place in many workplaces across the country. Healthcare workers can also get their vaccine in the community at participating GP clinics and pharmacies.
The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is also available for all children aged 2 to 17 years from participating GPs and pharmacies. The nasal spray flu vaccine is safe, effective, and painless.
Who should get the free flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is strongly recommended and free for:
- Everyone aged 60 years and older
- People with underlying medical conditions
- Healthcare workers (including students in healthcare and social care)
- All children aged 2-17 years
- Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
- Carers and household contacts of people at higher risk
- Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities
- People with regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl or pigs
Protect yourself and others
It is important we all take action to ensure we protect ourselves, our loved ones and each other from infection at this time of year when levels of flu and other respiratory viruses are increasing. HSE advise everyone to:
- Stay at home if you are unwell. Your friends, families and colleagues would thank you for doing the right thing.
- If you have symptoms, please do not visit vulnerable relatives/friends/neighbours and particularly do not visit care homes or hospitals for social visits when ill.
- If you are unwell and need medications, try to send someone else to collect your medicines from the pharmacy.
- If you are ill and need to attend for care you should wear a mask if you can.
- Hospitals and care settings may require you to use masks when visiting even if you are well - this will be guided by local risk assessment in the setting.
- There is no general call for public to use masks, but some people may wish to do so in crowded indoor spaces- e.g. on public transport and in busy public spaces (shops, churches/places of worship) especially if they are poorly ventilated. They may be the case especially for people who are vulnerable.
- When using a mask - use it properly and dispose of in waste bin.
By following these steps, we can protect ourselves, our loved ones and each other and ensure we all get to enjoy the festive season safe and well.
For more information about the flu vaccine, including where to get it, visit www.hse.ie/flu