The Chief Medical Officer has urged those experiencing flu-like symptoms to stay at home and isolate ahead of the Christmas holidays.
Taking to Twitter on Saturday, Professor Breda Smyth reported that the country has seen a “significant surge” in flu and Covid cases this winter. She said: "With Christmas just one week away we are reporting a significant surge in flu cases of 80% on last week’s numbers.
"We have a number of patients in ICU with flu this week and unfortunately none of them have had their flu vaccine. Covid cases have increased rapidly in the last three days," said Professor Smyth.
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Professor Smyth warned that this year's flu season is also having a "severe impact on children in particular," and she has called on parents to consider getting their kids vaccinated. The nasal flu vaccine and administration are free for children aged two to 17 through the HSE's vaccination programme.
Professor Smyth also warned that they are now seeing "75 new hospitalisations per day with Covid", and that test positivity is now one in five. She made two important requests of the public as we enter Christmas week; to come forward for flu and Covid vaccinations, and to stay home if they have flu-like symptoms.
Professor Smyth said: "My ask this week is two simple things. Firstly please come forward for your flu and Covid vaccines. I especially appeal to parents to consider getting the free nasal flu vaccine for your child.
“Secondly, please stay at home if you have any flu-like symptoms at all and prevent the onward spread of any of the winter viruses. Please stay safe and well this Christmas. Remember the behaviours that protect us all so well,” she added.
Professor Smyth also recently warned about a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases and fears that children could pass on the virus to elderly people.
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