The Chief Medical Officer has urged parents to keep their sick children home from school.
The healthcare system is straining under a "perfect storm" of flu season, high numbers of Covid infections and RSV. There were a record 931 patients waiting for hospital beds across the country's acute healthcare settings yesterday, according to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation.
There are currently seeing high levels of ‘flu and COVID-19 and although cases of RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) appear to be decreasing, the three respiratory viruses accounted for more than 1,200 hospitalisations last week. And CMO Professor Breda Smyth warned the reopening of childcare facilities and schools will lead to more transmission.
Read more: Families of patients stuck in overrun Dublin hospitals warn 'there are trolleys everywhere'
She said: “As schools and childcare facilities re-open after the Christmas break, I am urging parents to be vigilant for symptoms of respiratory viruses in children. If your child has any new-onset 'flu-like symptoms such as congestion, cough, runny nose or high temperature, parents should continue to be mindful of others and, if possible, keep their children at home from school or childcare facilities.
“Children should be kept at home for at least 48 hours after their symptoms have fully or substantially resolved. The vast majority of respiratory illnesses can be treated successfully at home with over-the-counter medication.
"There is very good advice on the HSE website undertheweather.ie. However, parents should trust their instincts and seek medical attention if required.”
The CMO said "this year’s ‘flu season has not yet peaked" but added "there is still time for people to avail of a protective vaccine which takes two weeks to become fully effective".
She said: “As we are still in the middle of ‘flu season, I am appealing to parents to please consider the ‘flu vaccine for your child. It’s a nasal spray and is administered free of charge by GPs and pharmacists. I would also encourage people to keep up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and please make an appointment for a booster if you are eligible."
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