The increasing number of flu cases is putting massive pressure on hospitals.

Every winter, flu cases increase exponentially, particularly affecting children and vulnerable adults.

However, this winter, previously healthy people are also making up a significant portion of hospital admissions and stays.

Hospital radiology waiting area with an elderly patient in a wheelchair

Respiratory specialist Dr Patrick Mitchell told The Pat Kenny Show that patients who would have no history of underlying health conditions are increasingly being admitted to hospital with the flu.

“We don’t think that there’s any particular major issue with the vaccine that’s circulating – although the evidence for that is yet to be seen,” he said.

“There are some thoughts that maybe it wasn’t as effective as it has been in other years.

"That nonetheless does not in any way refute that it is absolutely necessary for any at risk population to get the vaccine.”

Hospitalised after vaccination

According to Dr Mitchell, there is currently no date on the number of people who have been hospitalised after receiving the vaccine.

“We will have that data down the road – and it really is essential data to get a picture on things,” he said.

“It’s actually very hard to do that in the Irish healthcare system compared to other health jurisdictions.

"[This is] because of a lack of a generalised electronic patient healthcare record where we can identify these patients and correlate them with [the institution] where they got their vaccine.”

Dr Mitchell said that a more robust system would give us greater insight into population breakdowns of disease incidents.

Not too late to vaccinate

According to Dr Mitchell, it is not too late to get vaccinated to prevent yourself and others from getting sick over the last two months of winter.

“I mean, I think this goes back to a social contract that society needs to have with itself in terms of if you feel unwell, stay away from people – especially people who are at an increased risk, your elderly parents, for example, [or] the workplace," he said.

“I would advocate one other point though – even if you do get the flu, if you are vaccinated, you are less likely to suffer a severe outcome by the mere fact you have the vaccine on board.”

Dr Mitchell said that vaccinations may not stop you from getting a disease entirely - but they do still protect your body from worse symptoms.

Featured image: A busy hospital. Image: Alamy