Regional Hospital Mullingar treats 25 flu inpatients

People at risk from the current flu epidemic are asked to “take urgent steps now to protect themselves” by the HSE.

The Irish Medical Organisation says the number of flu cases presenting to GPs and Emergency Departments is putting enormous strain on the public health system.

Regional Hospital Mullingar currently has 25 inpatients with flu. The HSE Dublin and Midlands has called on all eligible people to get vaccinated against flu immediately, publishing figures showing ED presentations and hospitalisation from flu has doubled in just one week.

Data also shows that total cases notified to HPSC have more than doubled, showing that flu cases are surging within communities.

Urging vaccine take-up Dr Tomás Barry, Specialist Registrar in Public Health Medicine, HSE Dublin and Midlands said: “We are seeing a rapid increase of cases of patients with influenza, including those needing hospitalisation.

“There has been an earlier start to the influenza season and we are concerned at the risk this presents to those susceptible to more severe disease. These include those over 60 years of age, those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and people who are immunocompromised.”

Dr Barry emphasised the importance of vaccination: “It is imperative that those groups take action now to protect themselves now in order to get the protection they need. I urge people in these at-risk groups, as well as healthcare workers, to take urgent steps now to protect themselves and others. The flu vaccine takes two weeks to become fully effective. Therefore the best time to get vaccinated is now, before rates of infection peak over the busy holiday period.”

Free flu vaccines are available now at participating GP clinics and pharmacies. For healthcare workers, free flu vaccines are available in staff vaccination clinics and in the community in GPs and Pharmacies. Additionally all children aged 2-17 years are recommended to get the free flu vaccine.

The flu vaccine is strongly recommended and free for:

Everyone aged 60 years and older

People with underlying medical conditions

Healthcare workers (including students in healthcare and social care)

All children aged 2-17 years

Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)

Carers and household contacts of people at higher risk

Residents of nursing homes and other long-stay facilities

People with regular close contact with poultry, waterfowl or pigs