Dublin, Ireland – The Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued a stark warning to the public as influenza (flu) cases have seen a significant and rapid increase following the Christmas period. Hospitalization rates due to the flu have climbed dramatically, placing strain on healthcare services across the country.
As of Tuesday, December 31st, a total of 1,017 people have been hospitalized with the flu, according to the HSE. This figure represents a concerning upward trend, with the health authority stating the spread of the virus is “increasing rapidly.” The daily rise in hospitalizations is evident in the recent figures: 984 patients were hospitalized on Monday, 869 on Sunday, and just 562 on Tuesday of the previous week.
The significant jump in cases has put considerable pressure on various aspects of the healthcare system. In a statement released on their website, the HSE highlighted the impact on frontline 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),” the statement read.
The HSE further emphasized the current strain on hospital emergency departments. “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.”
Speaking on December 31st, Chief Executive Officer of the HSE, Bernard Gloster, underscored the severity of the situation. "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."
The HSE is urging the public to take preventative measures to help slow the spread of the flu. These include:
Getting vaccinated: The flu vaccine is still available and is the most effective way to protect yourself and others.
Practicing good hand hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Covering coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of the tissue properly. If a tissue isn't available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
Staying home if you are sick: Avoid contact with others to prevent further transmission of the virus.
The HSE will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as necessary. The public is advised to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their health and the health of others during this period of increased flu activity.
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