Close to 1,000 people are currently hospitalised with flu, the HSE has revealed. 

On Monday morning, there were 984 people in Ireland in hospital with the bug - more than the 900 people the health service had previously forecast for this week. 

On Late Breakfast, GP and President of the Irish Medical Organisation Dr Denis McCauley urged people with any flu-like symptoms to stay home this New Year’s Eve. 

“I think if anyone has any respiratory symptoms this evening, I think it would be irresponsible of them to go out,” he said. 

“We are having a flu surge, we’ve having an RSV surge and we have an acute shortage of hospital beds in Ireland. 

“There’s 1,000 beds being used by people who have the flu at the present minute, so there’s much less beds to do other things.” 

An elderly man sneezing into paper tissues. Picture by: Alamy.com 

Dr McCauley said the flu surge means there is a knock on impact on other patients who seek help from the health service. 

“It means that tests, operations and treatments will be delayed; so, we’ve got be be sensible in the use of our health resources,” he said. 

“So, I don’t want people going out and just spreading respiratory illnesses this evening when it’s not necessary.” 

A child sick with flu. Picture by: Alamy.com. 

Dr McCauley said the health service expects the flu surge will peak “in the middle of January”. 

“We’ve had a doubling… [it was] 500 last week and they were hoping it would be 900 but there’s 1,000,” he said.  

“So, I think the middle of January is when we expect it; it’s usually a six or seven-week cycle.” 

Vaccination

In the meantime, he urged people to book themselves a flu vaccine that will protect them from the disease and stop the infection spreading. 

Those over the age of 60, between the age of two and 17, pregnant women, those in nursing homes or with certain health conditions can get the vaccine for free. 

“People always forget pregnant ladies,” Dr McCauley said. 

“Pregnancy is a risk factor with the flu - we found that out with the bird flu a number of years ago when a number of pregnant ladies died. 

“So, I think if you’re pregnant and you haven’t had your flu vaccine, I would recommend that you have it done. 

“It’s very safe and will protect you and your baby.” 

Vaccine appointments can be booked here.

Main image: A sick woman. Picture by: Alamy.com