HSE Warns Christmas Week Will See Peak of Flu Season as Cases Approach 3,300

The HSE has confirmed that Christmas week will mark the peak of this year's flu season, with 3,287 cases reported in the week ending 13 December and hospitals managing unprecedented demand across the health service.

The latest surveillance figures show a dramatic surge in respiratory illness since October, with reported flu cases rising from just 41 in week 40 to 3,287 in week 50. While the rate of growth is slowing, infection rates remain very active in communities across Ireland.

Former HSE CEO Bernard Gloster said:

"We had been predicting a range of 700 to 1,500 cases being in hospital on any one day at the height of the flu. That range has now narrowed to a band of 800 to 1,100. We will also see the same number of new cases hospitalised per week. Last week it was 816 new cases hospitalised and today we have 634 people in hospital with flu. The latest modelling data available to me today is that the flu will peak Christmas week."

Covid-19 cases have decreased from 427 in week 40 to 171 in week 50, while RSV infections have risen significantly from 18 to 435 during the same period.

Emergency departments are experiencing unprecedented attendances even by seasonal standards. Daily average ED attendances have increased from 4,544 in the first 11 days of December last year to 5,097 this year, though trolley wait numbers have held at relatively strong levels despite the pressure.

The HSE is urging people to take protective measures during this period of high transmission, including getting the seasonal flu vaccine, practising respiratory etiquette, washing hands frequently, and staying away from others when unwell. People with symptoms are asked not to visit vulnerable relatives, friends or neighbours in homes, hospitals or care settings for those few days.

Mr Gloster continued:

"In November 2024 we saw an average of 4,359 attendances per day at ED, this year that was 4,654 and yet we saw daily average trolley waits decrease from 318 to 255. We are working at full capacity to support people and while I anticipate serious pressures in the next short while I am confident that working with the community, we will manage this season and the impact of this early and hard hitting flu."

Protecting Hospital Capacity Through Discharge Options

HSE South West has launched a winter campaign reminding patients and families to understand all discharge options when offered, emphasising that every hour in an acute hospital bed is a precious resource during winter months.

HSE South West IHA manager Priscilla Lynch said:

"We are asking everyone to work with our hardworking teams planning discharge and consider all your options. Patients will only be discharged from hospital to their home or to further care when it is medically appropriate to do so. Unfortunately, if there is a delay in supporting someone to move on from a hospital bed when the acute phase of their treatment is finished, it means that someone else could face a delay in accessing care."

Discharge options may include transfers to facilities such as Mallow General Hospital, short-term placements in community hospitals for rehabilitation, short-term nursing home placements, or Community Intervention Team visits for home-administered intravenous drugs.

Director of Nursing at Mallow General Hospital Patricia Moloney said:

"Mallow General Hospital is a modern acute hospital. It's ideal for patients who need ongoing treatment of their medical conditions. If you are in a Cork hospital and need a longer stay, you may be transferred to us to complete your care. We'll make sure you receive excellent care in a warm, welcoming environment and feel comfortable throughout your stay."

The public can access healthcare through GP services, Local Medical and Injury Units, out-of-hours services, pharmacies, or by visiting HSE.ie for health advice. People needing emergency care will be seen according to triage based on their presentation.