The HSE has issued a stark warning as flu cases have seen a sharp increase following the Christmas period.
On Tuesday morning, 31 December, 1,017 people were hospitalised due to the flu, marking a “rapid increase”, according to the HSE. This figure is up from 984 on Monday, 869 on Sunday and 562 the previous Tuesday.
In an online statement, the HSE highlighted the strain on healthcare services: “GP out-of-hours services, GP surgeries, ambulance services, hospital emergency departments (EDs), and inpatient services are all feeling the effects of respiratory illnesses, primarily influenza (flu).”
They further noted the current pressure on hospitals: “Our hospitals are currently extremely busy. Yesterday, emergency departments saw a total of 5,150 patients, with 1,200 of those admitted for various cases and emergencies, including individuals suffering from winter respiratory viruses, mainly flu.”
On 31 December, Bernard Gloster, Chief Executive Officer of the HSE, stated: “Yesterday was the second highest day of ED attendance over the Christmas period. We now have 1,017 people in hospital with flu. This morning we had 322 people admitted and waiting on trolleys and they were being cared for in both hospital wards and in our EDs.”
“All our staff and systems are responding and managing very well and even though we have improved on recent years, there is no doubt that the system is under pressure. Our hospitals are operating infection prevention control measures and we ask everyone to help and co-operate, including with any visitor restrictions that may be in place.
“We know that can be difficult for families and loved ones, especially at this time of year, but we must protect our patients and prevent the spread of infections in hospitals and other healthcare settings.”
Stock image of University Hospital Galway main entrance
(Image: Saolta.ie)
The HSE emphasised that self-care and seeking appropriate advice from pharmacies, GPs and community services are all initial steps, with valuable advice available on hse.ie, including how to stay healthy this winter and additional local supports available.
They further noted: “Similar to last year a significant number of GP practices around the country are offering additional hours outside their normal surgery hours in the morning, evening and at weekends.
“The number of people using the GP out-of-hours service has increased by over 45% in some areas, compared to the same period last year and we would urge people who are feeling unwell to contact their GP.”
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The HSE has issued a call for caution during the New Year’s Eve celebrations, with Mr Gloster advising: “This is a joyous time for many but we encourage people to take care. Road safety, food safety, fire safety, mental wellbeing are all issues people need to consider and when these are not attended to the consequences can be significant.
The HSE has issued a call for caution during the New Year’s Eve celebrations, with Mr Gloster advising: “This is a joyous time for many but we encourage people to take care. Road safety, food safety, fire safety, mental wellbeing are all issues people need to consider and when these are not attended to the consequences can be significant.
“Additionally this year we would ask if you are in any way Flu symptomatic please protect yourself and others by restricting your contacts and please do not visit people in hospital or care settings.”
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Dr Helen Wall, who holds several key positions including GP partner, senior responsible officer for the Covid-19 vaccine programme in Bolton, England, UK, and clinical director of commissioning for Bolton CCG, has shared an important message.
A GP has highlighted that one simple action could prevent you from being bedridden as a new Covid variant takes its toll.
“Additionally this year we would ask if you are in any way Flu symptomatic please protect yourself and others by restricting your contacts and please do not visit people in hospital or care settings.”
Dr Helen Wall, who holds several key positions including GP partner, senior responsible officer for the Covid-19 vaccine programme in Bolton, England, UK, and clinical director of commissioning for Bolton CCG, has shared an important message.
A GP has highlighted that one simple action could prevent you from being bedridden as a new Covid variant takes its toll.
Here are the symptoms to watch out for when it comes to the flu, which can come on quickly:
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A sudden high temperature of 38 degrees or above
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Aches and pains
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Feeling tired or exhausted
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A dry cough
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A sore throat
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A headache
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Difficulty sleeping
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Loss of appetite
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Diarrhoea or tummy pain
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Feeling sick and being sick
The symptoms of flu are similar for children. But they can also get a pain in their ear and seem to be less active.
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