Ireland is experiencing a significant surge in flu cases, with nearly 1,000 confirmed cases reported in the week ending December 14th. Hospitals are preparing for a potential surge in demand over the Christmas period as people gather in larger numbers.
A&E departments are experiencing significant increases in the number of people presenting with flu and other viruses, according to the Health Service Executive. Almost 1,000 cases of flu emerged in the week ending December 14th, up from 530 the previous week and 277 the week before that. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) on Thursday published the latest information on the circulation of respiratory illnesses in the State.
There were a total of 999 cases of flu in the week ending December 14th, up from 530 the previous week and 277 the week before that. A total of 264 patients required hospital treatment for flu last week, while there were two intensive care admissions and one death. The number of flu-related deaths this winter season stands at six. According to the HPSC, influenza bed occupancy has been increasing since early this month, with a total of 706 cases requiring hospital treatment since the winter season began. There were 20 outbreaks of flu last week, almost all of which were in hospitals and nursing homes. In a statement, the HSE said emergency departments have experienced significant increases in the numbers presenting to them with flu and other viruses. With people set to mix in significant numbers over the Christmas period, it said more people would find themselves seriously ill. “We expect the week of Christmas and the new year to see flu cases at their highest so far this season, and modelling shows hospitalisations from flu alone to be in the region of 600-900,” said HSE chief executive Bernard Gloste
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