Visitor restrictions have been introduced at two hospitals following a rise in the number of people presenting with flu and other respiratory symptoms.
Sligo University Hospital (SUH) and Tipperary University Hospital (TUH) are both dealing with high levels of illness within their facilities, reports RTE.
The restrictions at the hospital in Clonmel will remain in place until further notice.
HSE Dublin and South East said there has been an increase in patients arriving with flu and respiratory-related symptoms, reports RTE.
The hospital is also seeing cases of the so-called winter vomiting bug, Norovirus.
The HSE said that visiting at TUH will only be allowed in exceptional circumstances, subject to agreement with the clinical nurse manager or nurse in charge, reports RTE.
However, a spokesperson said visits on compassionate grounds will continue for critically ill and end-of-life patients.
Hospital management and staff apologised for any inconvenience caused and thanked the public for their co-operation and understanding, reports RTE.
They said these measures are being put in place to protect vulnerable patients and to reduce the spread of infection.
Sligo University Hospital has asked people with flu-like symptoms not to visit due to a sharp rise in cases, reports RTE.
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SUH is currently treating 27 flu patients as it manages outbreaks on two separate wards.
The hospital said a particularly high number of older people and children with flu-like symptoms have been attending the Emergency Department, reports RTE.
Since the beginning of this year’s flu season, 80 people have been hospitalised in Sligo, including 20 admissions last week.
Almost 200 flu cases have been confirmed in Sligo through laboratory testing since the start of the season, including 56 cases last week, reports RTE.
In a statement, SUH said visiting restrictions were introduced as a necessary infection control measure.
The hospital said visits should be limited to immediate family only and that children should not be brought onto adult wards, reports RTE.
It said that where a ward is dealing with a flu outbreak, visiting will be restricted to compassionate grounds only.
Visiting hours are from 6pm to 8pm daily, with visits outside these times facilitated only in exceptional circumstances, reports RTE.
Flu symptoms include a high temperature, aches and pains, headaches, a sore throat or a cough.
The hospital said it regretted the impact of the restrictions but added that every possible step must be taken to limit the spread of infection, reports RTE.
The HSE again urged eligible people to get vaccinated against flu and Covid, saying vaccination can prevent infection and protect vulnerable individuals.
The actions taken by TUH and SUH follow visitor restrictions already introduced at Wexford General Hospital, as well as enhanced infection control measures at St Luke’s General Hospital in Carlow/Kilkenny, reports RTE.
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