Rising flu cases putting pressure on West's hospitals
The HSE is urging people in the west to take up the flu vaccine.
HSE West and North West has called on all eligible people in Mayo to get vaccinated against flu immediately.
Data shows that the total cases notified to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC) nationally have more than doubled, showing that flu cases are surging within communities. The number of people presenting to hospital with flu is increasing and this is putting pressure on already busy healthcare services.
Urging vaccine take-up Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer, HSE West and North West said there has been a steep rise in cases coming to hospital. “There has been a rapid increase in the number of patients with influenza, including those needing hospitalisation nationally and we’re seeing similar across the West and North West. The influenza season has started earlier and the risk this presents to those susceptible to more severe disease is concerning. This is putting pressure on our hospitals.”
“It is really important those groups eligible to get a flu vaccine, including; those over 60 years, those aged 2-17 years, people with underlying medical conditions and healthcare workers, take action now to protect themselves and others by getting vaccinated. This will help to reduce the number of people who need treatment in hospital," he added.
HPSC figures show the heightened flu activity is largely attributable to the AH3N2 variant. HPSC modelling projects significant pressures on healthcare services in the coming weeks. 418 cases were reported in hospitals across the country during the week ending 29 November compared to just 213 the week before. Free flu vaccines are available at participating pharmacies and GP clinics. For healthcare workers, free flu vaccines are available in staff vaccination clinics and at Pharmacies and GP clinics.
