Main flu gripping Ireland this winter originated from Swine Flu, HSE confirms
People have been warned to stay away from hospitals unless they are seriously ill and their life is at risk
The main flu gripping the country at the moment originated from the Swine Flu, the HSE has admitted.
Over 2,000 people have been rushed to hospital in the past week or so with the vast majority suffering from it.
Hospital staff around the country have been blaming a Swine Flu-type epidemic for the chaos and overcrowding.
READ MORE - HSE issue flu warning to public amid rapid surge in cases - signs and symptoms to look out for
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Yesterday in a statement the HSE said: "Every season will have a mixture of influenza virus circulation, including AH1NI, AH3N2 and influenza B. In any one season, one of these will typically dominate.
"In this season to date it is AH1NI as happened in the seasons 2015/2016 and 2018/2019.
"The AH1NI virus now circulating emerged from the pandemic virus of 2009 and has been present in each flu season since then.
"It is by now a human-adapted virus circulating within populations by human to human spread.
"It is no longer appropriate to give it the term 'swine flu', a term which should be confined to viruses circulating within swine populations."
People have been warned to stay away from hospitals unless they are seriously ill and their life is at risk.
Visitor restrictions have also been imposed on numerous hospitals around the country.
The HSE has urged anyone who is medically vulnerable to get the flu vaccine this week or a Covid vaccine booster.
The Regional Clinical Director of the HSE Dublin, Dr Vida Hamilton said: "The Flu Vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu this Winter.
"Being vaccinated reduces risk and helps to avoid serious illness, hospitalisations and even death.
"A high rate of flu vaccination among healthcare workers and other at-risk groups in our communities will help us to limit the damage flu infection can bring.
"We ask older and more vulnerable people to take extra care during the cold spell.
"Keeping warm, eating well, and avoiding unnecessary travel is important during very cold weather. Slips and falls in icy conditions are a big source of broken wrists and hips."
Meanwhile the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation has named the five worst hospitals in the country for overcrowding last year.
They are:
- University Hospital Limerick
- Cork University Hospital
- University Hospital Galway
- Sligo University Hospital
- St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin
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