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THE NUMBER OF people with influenza and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) doubled over the course of last week, according to the HSE.
The HSE has said it expects that upward trend in the number of RSV and flu cases to continue until the end of the month.
A combined total of almost 2,000 cases of Covid-19, RSV and influenza have been notified in the past week, the health service said. This has led to significant increases in the number of people presenting at emergency departments with those illnesses.
“The impact of flu circulating in the community has a direct impact on the capacity of health services, both in hospitals and in primary and community care settings,” the HSE said in a statement.
The CEO of the HSE Bernard Gloster said over 600 people were hospitalised in the last week due to Covid, flu and RSV.
“When this is added to the usual demand placed on the health service, it brings significant pressure on the public and healthcare staff,” he said.
“People can expect to see all access points to healthcare under pressure over the next few weeks.”
Gloster added that older people and the young are most vulnerable, followed by those with underlying conditions.
“Covid-19 has been relatively stable, and RSV in older children is clearly significant,” Gloster said.
“The good news is that the number of cases of RSV among infants (less than 3 months) has sharply decreased since the HSE began a vaccination programme for newborns.
“Only 24 babies were hospitalised with RSV since the vaccination programme started, a significant fall from the 413 cases in the same period last year- this is a reminder of the importance of progressive vaccination programmes.’’
The HSE is particularly concerned about Influenza at the moment.
“We expect the week of Christmas and the New Year to see flu cases to be at their highest so far this season, and modelling shows hospitalisations from flu alone to be in the region of 600-900,” the HSE said.
The health service said it expects this Christmas season to be busier than ever, and “this higher demand from patients will create delays getting through to the service at peak times or in waiting for a call back from a triage nurse, and again longer waiting times for an appointment”.
Gloster asked people not to go to an emergency department if they have a mild illness of a condition that is not urgent, adding that other options are available.
“We know that our Emergency Departments will be where people will experience the most delay and pressures. We absolutely want people with an emergency to come to the hospitals and have the service they need,” he said.
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From a distance I thought it was Trump
@Fynn:
Seriously.
That was my first thought on seeing it this morning.
I reckon I could paint a picture as good as that Van Gogh fella’s one. What makes his work so special?
@Regular John: That’s the spirit! There’s literally nothing stopping you from trying.
@Regular John: You definitely need a hobby and to connect with nature and the human experience like Van Gogh did.
@Regular John:
Just genius.
@Regular John: Well Done! We look forward to your first exhibition.
@Basildon Joe: I bet you’re a wizard at describing wine, “Distant hint of strawberry with a lingering aftertaste of lemon coupled with…….
@Brian Hunt: He’s probably the one that has the picture hidden away!
@Me Me:
Right, that’s it. Loads of encouragement from the lads on the Journal so I’m gonna go for it over Christmas. He did alright with sunflowers, I’m gonna paint some daffodils. Remember where you heard it first….
I thought for a moment it was Donald Trump
Our public who have depended and are still slightly depend on Irish anti Trump media for indoctrination have no actual understanding of world affairs.
@thomas molloy: And yet, you’re unable or unwilling to tell me the media outlets you get your understanding of “world affairs” from. Or do you, as I suspect, make all this drivel up as you go along…?
@thomas molloy: and that idea is firmly wedged in your head by who?
Paul Gaugin and Toulouse Lautrec enter a bar in Montmartre. They spot a familiar face sitting alone. Hey,Vince,fancy a drink? No thanks guys,replies van Gogh. I ‘ave one ere
@Larry Betts: On a roll!
@Brian Hunt: never misses an opportunity to Van Gogh
MAN on the INSIDE on Netflix is a good “who done it”
A cluttered brain is worse than a cluttered room
@Andy Preneur: “Chaos Theory” is a political strategy used in political campaigns by politicians that have embarrassing/destructive policies that they are embarrassed to put in front of the public. Being against everything that works and advocating revolution and chaos is their last resort. Our educated citizens are not falling for it
Still not a patch on the bananna taped to the white board. Now that’s real art.
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