A mask is required for visits to University Hospital Kerry and Cork University Hospital, and some institutions have implemented visitation restrictions in response to the rise in flu cases, reports RTE.
Compared to 984 on Monday, 869 the day before, and 562 last Tuesday, 1,017 persons were reported to have the flu in hospitals on New Year’s Eve.
Bernard Gloster, the head of the Health Service Executive, stated that 25 of the 1,017 flu patients being treated in the intensive care unit are on ventilators, with 62 of them receiving treatment in the intensive care unit, reports RTE.
According to him, this is a very high number for individuals receiving flu treatment, and it illustrates the dangerous side of the illness where people can get really sick.
The majority of patients receiving treatment in the intensive care unit are elderly and very young people with RSV, which can also seriously affect infants and small children.
According to Mr. Gloster, the high number of flu-related hospital admissions is anticipated to peak this week and, although it may decline, it is anticipated to increase once again when students return to school and people start moving around again following the Christmas holiday, reports RTE.
He forecasted that the elevated flu rates, which forced many people to visit the hospital, will persist throughout January.
Hospitals are implementing infection prevention control procedures, according to Mr. Gloster, and individuals are being asked to assist and cooperate, including with any visiting limitations that may be put in place.
“We know that can be difficult for families and loved ones, especially at this time of year, but we must protect our patients and prevent the spread of infections in hospitals and other healthcare settings,” he said, reports RTE.
According to the HSE, the effects of respiratory diseases, particularly influenza, are affecting all services, including GP, ambulance, inpatient, and hospital emergency rooms.
All hospitals are quite busy, it stated, reports RTE.
Naas General Hospital, Tipperary University Hospital, and the Midland Regional Hospitals in Tullamore and Portlaoise, as well as Regional Hospital Mullingar, have visiting restrictions.
In the HSE South West regional area, visiting restrictions are in effect at all hospitals: University Hospital Kerry, Cork University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Bantry General Hospital, and Mallow General Hospital, reports RTE.
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