Parents across the country are being advised not to send their children into school next week if they develop flu like symptoms.
The advice which was issued on Wednesday comes from the HSE who say they are trying to prevent further spreading of the recent flu epidemic which has hit the country.
In a brief statement issued on Wednesday evening medical personnel working with the health authority are advising parents not to send their child into school if they become unwell.
The spokesperson said: “The recent flu epidemic has caused a number of patients to present with symptoms at the nations hospitals which has led to a serious case of overcrowding”.
“We are advising that those who experience symptoms not to go out in public but instead stay at home until they recover.”
“We are also advising parents not to send their children to school following the Christmas break if they present with flu like symptoms as the virus is easily spread.”
It is thought the warning comes as the HSE and the Department of Health are deploying alternative measures in an effort to halt the spread of the virus which has seen hospital waiting lists reach record highs.