Top health chief issues flu warning as number in hospital surges to 'upper end' of predictions

There are 742 people hospitalised with flu today as pressure increases on acute hospitals in the post-Christmas period, according to the HSE.

The HSE said it had expected and planned for a surge in hospitalisations at this time, but the numbers so far are at the upper end of what they had predicted.

HSE CEO Bernard Gloster said: “The healthcare system and in particular our acute hospitals have been working well over the Christmas period, with senior clinical staff on site ensuring patients are discharged when possible, and ensuring efficient patient flow through Emergency Departments.

READ MORE: Tragedy as boy, 5, dies days after common flu symptom takes an awful turn

READ MORE: Free flu vaccines for politicians in Leinster House branded 'sickening'

"We expect pressure to continue over the coming days and we would urge the public to use alternative healthcare services for treatment such as GP, GP Out of Hours, injury units and pharmacies when appropriate. But if patients are very sick and in an emergency situation, they should of course come to their nearest Emergency Department.”

The HSE said Emergency Departments are always available to treat seriously ill patients and the sickest patients are seen first. People with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen.

They asked people to be aware of any hospital visiting restrictions due to circulating infections, and for infection prevention and control purposes, which can be found on the HSE website.

From today, additional Daytime GP expanded clinics are available from some practices and patients should check if their GP is participating in this arrangement. Additional supports for GP OOH services are also being provided.

A spokesperson said: "It’s still not too late to get vaccinated and flu and COVID-19 vaccination for target groups remains available - to see what vaccines are recommended for you: visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist."

Sign up to the Irish Mirror's daily newsletter here and get breaking news and top stories direct to your inbox.