HSE warns of increase in flu and COVID-19 cases amid rise in hospitalisations

The HSE has warned of an increase in flu and COVID-19, and the number of hospitalisations is expected to jump in the coming weeks. 

So far, this week, 538 people with flu and 282 with COVID-19 attended our EDs, an increase from 312 (flu) and 144 (COVID-19) the previous week. 

The HSE spokesperson said the increase in community infection rates will lead to an increased risk of outbreaks in hospitals, nursing homes and residential care facilities, potentially affecting the most vulnerable.  

There are currently 30 outbreaks of COVID-19 in hospitals and 24 in nursing homes, again an increase from last week.

On Thursday, December 28, data shows that were 119 people on trolleys (87 in ED and 32 on a ward) compared to 443 on the same date last year. A further 124 patients occupy surge beds compared to 375 on the same date the previous year. 

They said hospitals and community services around the country have put a sustained effort into ensuring hospitals are positioned for the traditional post-Christmas demand. 

With the steep rise in flu and COVID-19 infections, the HSE urges the public to attend the ED only for major health emergencies. Use all other options in non-emergency situations.

The HSE Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Colm Henry, said that the rise of COVID-19 and flu “will put significant pressure” on hospitals and Residential Care Facilities in the short term.

“Our Emergency Departments are expected to encounter significant pressures as a result and we know from experience that a delayed peak in flu season such as we are seeing now, will inevitably lead to further pressures throughout the healthcare system with heightened risk of outbreaks in all facilities and delays discharging patients to nursing homes or step down facilities if they have flu or COVID,” he said.

He also urged the public to get vaccinated and stay home in case of any flu or COVID-19 symptoms. 

Dr Éamonn O’Moore, Director of National Health Protection, added:  “The new JN.1 variant of COVID is fast becoming the dominant strain. This variant may be more transmissible than previous variants, resulting in more infections.

"We are still collating data in Ireland and internationally on whether it will result in more illness requiring hospital care but at this time we are not seeing that signal. However, with more infection around, there is greater risk some people who are vulnerable could become ill and require hospital care and we still need to protect our vulnerable members of society, children and adults, by doing what we can to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses."