There is growing concern across Ireland that a so-called ‘super flu’ could threaten Christmas celebrations for thousands of families.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has reported a 58% rise in flu-related hospital admissions, increasing from 415 cases in the week starting 23 November 2025 (Week 48) to 657 cases in the week beginning 30 November 2025 (Week 49), reports The Mirror.
So far this flu season, 13 deaths have been confirmed. Eight of those who died were aged 65 or older, while the remaining five were younger than 65. According to the HSE, this represents an increase of four deaths between Week 48 and Week 49.
Specialists say the sudden spike in infections is linked to a rare strain of flu that has not circulated in Ireland for several years. With limited exposure over recent seasons, population immunity has dropped, making communities more vulnerable, reports The Mirror.
The strain driving the surge is identified as H3N2 “subclade K”, though some have labelled it a ‘super flu’. The HSE confirmed in its latest update that cases of this strain are rising. “Of influenza A(H3N2) samples sequenced by the National Virus Reference Laboratory to date, the majority belonged to the new subclade K,” said the HSE, reports The Mirror.
Concerns are mounting that the rapid spread of the so-called ‘super flu’ may disrupt Christmas gatherings nationwide. Most cases have been recorded among young children aged four and under, as well as adults over 65. With families planning to meet over the festive season, there is growing worry that infections could surge sharply.
The recent increase in flu activity has prompted some hospitals to introduce strict measures. In certain facilities, visitors are now being asked to wear surgical masks, reports The Mirror.
The HSE emphasises that vaccination is the most effective defence against the virus.
“Vaccination/immunisation remains one of the most effective ways to reduce severe illness from influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. Strong surveillance, immunisation programmes, and healthcare system readiness (including Infection Prevention Control) are key to protecting public health,” said the HSE in its latest report, reports The Mirror.
The continued rise in flu cases comes just days after the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) issued a strong warning that flu had struck Ireland “fast and hard”.
Speaking before the latest HSE update was released, Dr. Peadar Gilligan, Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Beaumont Hospital and member of the IMO Consultant Committee, said they had observed a noticeable increase in cases presenting at GP practices and emergency departments around the country, reports The Mirror.
“The flu has come early and is accelerating in terms of the number of cases presenting to General Practice and Emergency Departments. There was a doubling of cases over the course of the last two weeks reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The number of people hospitalised with influenza is in excess of five hundred currently and is projected to exceed one thousand in the coming weeks. In real terms that means the equivalent of two large hospitals in a system hugely challenged by the lack of hospital beds. To date nine people have died from influenza in Ireland this flu season, all but one of whom were over sixty-five years of age,” reports The Mirror.
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