More than 600 people were hospitalised due to Covid-19, flu and RSV in the last week, according to Health Service Executive (HSE) chief executive Bernard Gloster.
The HSE is preparing for further significant increases in flu and respiratory illness over the Christmas period.
The HSE said that a combined total of almost 2,000 cases of the three illnesses have been notified in the past week. Emergency departments have also seen significant increases in people presenting with the conditions.
“In the last week, we have had over 600 people hospitalised due to Covid, flu and RSV,” said Mr Gloster. “When this is added to the usual demand placed on the health service, it brings significant pressure on the public and healthcare staff. Both older people and the young are most likely to experience the most severe impact of these respiratory illnesses followed by those with underlying conditions.
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“Covid-19 has been relatively stable, and RSV in older children is clearly significant. The good news is that the number of cases of RSV among infants (less than three months) has sharply decreased since the HSE began a vaccination programme for newborns. Only 24 babies were hospitalised with RSV since the vaccination programme started, a significant fall from the 413 cases in the same period last year - this is a reminder of the importance of progressive vaccination programmes.’’
Mr Gloster said cases of influenza are expected to peak over Christmas and New Year. “When all other factors are taken into consideration, people can expect to see all access points to healthcare under pressure over the next few weeks,” he said.
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