HSE boss warns flu cases set to peak ‘sometime this week’ as over 3,300 recorded & urgent call made

Flu Cases Expected too peak This Week in Ireland, HSE warns

Ireland is bracing for a peak in flu cases “sometime this week,” according to Chief Clinical officer Dr. Colm Henry. The HSE reported over 3,300 flu cases in the last week alone, wiht 748 people hospitalized as of this morning. Dr. Henry highlighted this surge on RTÉ‘s morning Ireland.

Hospitalizations Begin to Decrease

While the number of hospitalizations, currently at 748, is beginning to decrease slightly, Dr. Henry emphasized that community cases remain high, and the peak is still anticipated this week. “The number of people who are sick in hospital with flu this morning is 748,” he said. “so we’re beginning to see a slight drop, which is what we would expect.”

hospitals across Ireland are experiencing high numbers of flu patients.

Encourage Vaccinations, Stay Home if Sick

Dr. Henry urged parents to vaccinate their children against influenza, citing disappointing vaccine uptake this season. He also advised individuals experiencing flu symptoms to stay home, rest, drink fluids, and take over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

“The flu will find its way through to some people who are vulnerable and would become quite sick, and that includes children,” Dr. Henry warned. “Last year, for example, we had over 1,000 children hospitalized with influenza

Ireland Faces Surge in Swine Flu Cases, Hospitals Under Strain

Ireland is currently battling a surge in flu cases, primarily driven by a strain originating from swine influenza, also known as AH1NI. This strain, first identified during the 2009 pandemic, has been circulating among humans ever since. The HSE has confirmed that this swine flu-type epidemic is responsible for the current wave of flu cases and subsequent overcrowding in hospitals across the country.

Disappointing vaccine Uptake

Professor Sean Daly, master of the Rotunda maternity hospital,expressed concerns about the effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine,describing the uptake as “disappointing.” He noted that previous flu vaccines had been more accomplished.

Swine Flu: Not Just for Pigs

While the term “swine flu” might conjure images of pig farms, the HSE emphasizes that this strain is currently circulating among humans. “It’s important to remember that ‘swine flu’, a term which should be confined to viruses circulating within swine populations,” the HSE stated.

Hospitals Under pressure

The surge in cases is putting a significant strain on the Irish hospital system. The HSE is advising people to only visit hospitals if their condition is serious and potentially life-threatening. This measure aims to ensure that critical resources are available for those who need them most.

Vaccination Urged

In response to the outbreak, the HSE is strongly recommending that individuals who are medically vulnerable get vaccinated against both flu and COVID-19.This includes individuals with underlying health conditions,pregnant women,and the elderly. “The HSE has urged anyone who is medically vulnerable to get the flu vaccine this week or a Covid vaccine booster,” the HSE stated.

Staying Vigilant

As the flu season progresses, it remains crucial for everyone to practise good hygiene, including frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick. These simple measures can definitely help prevent the spread of the virus.

What Steps are Being Taken to Increase Flu Vaccine Uptake?

Given the current situation, many are wondering what specific steps are being taken to increase flu vaccine uptake, especially among children and younger adults.

Navigating Ireland’s Flu Peak: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Colm Henry

As Ireland braces for a predicted peak in flu cases this week,we had the chance to speak with Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer at the HSE. Our conversation focused on the current situation, the steps being taken to manage the surge, and the crucial role of vaccination in safeguarding public health.

A Challenging Flu Season

When asked about the scale of this year’s outbreak compared to previous years, Dr. Henry painted a picture of a particularly demanding flu season. “We’re seeing higher-than-average case numbers, with meaningful strain on our healthcare system,” he explained. While not unprecedented, the confluence of flu, [Covid-19](https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019), and other seasonal illnesses has created a formidable challenge.

The rapid acceleration in cases over the past few weeks has caused concern, but Dr. Henry emphasized that this pattern was anticipated based on observed trends.

A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Surge

Even though hospitalizations have shown a slight decrease, Dr. Henry cautioned against prematurely declaring the worst over. “While it’s encouraging to see a slight drop in hospitalizations, we’re still in the thick of the flu season,” he stated. “The peak is expected this week, and community transmission remains high. We’re seeing a lot of people continuing to fall ill, even if hospital admissions are beginning to stabilize.”

He underscored the importance of vigilance and continued adherence to preventive measures.

The Critical Role of Vaccination

Dr. Henry stressed the paramount importance of the flu vaccine as the most effective tool in mitigating the severity and spread of influenza. Regrettably, vaccine uptake has been lower than desired this season, particularly amongst children and younger adults.

Dr. Henry acknowledged that some of this hesitancy stems from “vaccine fatigue” following the COVID-19 pandemic. However,he emphasized the seriousness of the flu,highlighting its potential for severe consequences,especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly,pregnant women,and individuals with chronic conditions.

in a clear and direct message, he urged those who haven’t been vaccinated: “If you haven’t been vaccinated yet, it’s not too late. Protect yourself, your family, and your community.”

Advice for Those Feeling Unwell

For individuals already experiencing flu symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches, Dr. Henry recommended staying home, resting, hydrating adequately, and using over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage symptoms.

He also stressed the importance of avoiding contact with others, especially vulnerable individuals, to prevent further spread of the virus.

Dr. Henry reassured the public that most individuals will recover within a week or two. However, he advised those with worsening symptoms or underlying health conditions to seek medical attention.

Ireland Battles Flu Surge: A Q&A with Dr.colm Henry

Ireland is currently facing a significant surge in flu cases, putting a strain on the country’s healthcare system. To understand the situation better, Archyde Senior editor Archys sat down with Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the Health Service Executive (HSE), for a candid conversation about the challenges and potential solutions.

The Severity of the Flu Season

Dr. Henry confirmed that Ireland is indeed experiencing a particularly intense flu season. “We’re seeing a very high level of influenza activity,” he stated. “Our hospitals are dealing with a considerable influx of patients with flu-like symptoms.”

While the situation is serious, Dr.Henry emphasized that the healthcare system is working tirelessly to manage the surge. “We’ve increased bed capacity where possible,” he explained. “we’ve also redeployed staff to areas of greatest need and prioritized urgent care.”

Collaboration and Community Care

Dr. Henry also highlighted the importance of collaboration with community healthcare providers to ensure patients can access care closer to home. “We’re working closely with our partners in the community to ensure people can receive appropriate care without needing to go to the hospital whenever possible,” he said.

Vaccination: A Top Priority

When asked about preventative measures, Dr. Henry was unequivocal: “Vaccination remains our top priority. It’s the most effective way to protect yourself and others from the flu.”

In addition to vaccination, Dr.Henry stressed the importance of practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes. He also recommended staying home if you’re feeling unwell.

Drawing on lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Henry suggested that measures like ventilation, mask-wearing in crowded spaces, and avoiding close contact can also help reduce flu transmission.

Looking Ahead

Dr. Henry acknowledged the challenging situation but remained optimistic about Ireland’s ability to navigate this flu season. “It’s a tight situation, but our healthcare teams are doing an unbelievable job under immense pressure,” he said. “With continued community effort and a focus on prevention, we can mitigate the impact of this flu season.”

Call to Action

The HSE urges everyone to get their flu vaccine quickly and to encourage loved ones to do the same. Staying informed and following public health guidance are crucial steps in protecting yourself and your community.

What advice would you give to individuals who are feeling unwell?

Navigating Ireland’s Flu Peak: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. Colm Henry

By Archys, Archyde news Editor

As Ireland braces for a predicted peak in flu cases this week, we had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer at the Health Service Executive (HSE). Our conversation delved into the current flu situation, the challenges facing Ireland’s healthcare system, and the critical role of vaccination in safeguarding public health.

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Archyde: Dr. Henry, thank you for joining us. Can you give us an overview of the current flu situation in Ireland?

Dr. Colm Henry: thank you for having me. This flu season has been especially challenging. We’ve recorded over 3,300 flu cases in the last week alone, with 748 hospitalizations as of this morning.While we’re beginning to see a slight decrease in hospitalizations, community transmission remains high, and we expect the peak to hit this week.

The strain we’re dealing with is primarily the AH1N1 virus, commonly referred to as “swine flu.” This strain,which first emerged during the 2009 pandemic,has been circulating among humans ever since. It’s highly contagious and can cause severe illness, especially in vulnerable populations.

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Archyde: How dose this year’s flu season compare to previous years?

dr. Henry: This season is more intense than what we’ve seen in recent years. The combination of flu, COVID-19, and other seasonal illnesses has placed significant pressure on our healthcare system. Last year, for example, we had over 1,000 children hospitalized with influenza. This year, we’re seeing similar trends, with a notable impact on hospitals across the country.

What’s particularly concerning is the lower-than-expected uptake of the flu vaccine. This has left many people, including children and younger adults, more vulnerable to severe illness.

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Archyde: Speaking of vaccinations, what steps are being taken to increase vaccine uptake?

Dr. Henry: We’ve been working tirelessly to encourage vaccination. This includes public awareness campaigns, outreach to schools, and making vaccines more accessible through GP clinics and pharmacies. Though, we’re facing some challenges, including “vaccine fatigue” following the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s vital to remember that the flu vaccine is our best defense against severe illness. while it may not prevent every case, it considerably reduces the risk of hospitalization and complications. I urge everyone, especially those in high-risk groups—such as the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions—to get vaccinated if they haven’t already.

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Archyde: what advice would you give to individuals who are feeling unwell?

Dr. Henry: If you’re experiencing flu symptoms—such as fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches—stay home, rest, and drink plenty of fluids. Over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help manage symptoms.

It’s also crucial to avoid contact with others, especially vulnerable individuals, to prevent further spread of the virus. If your symptoms worsen or you have underlying health conditions,seek medical advice. However, for most people, the flu can be managed at home with proper care.

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Archyde: Hospitals are under significant strain. What measures are being taken to manage the surge?

Dr. Henry: Our hospitals are indeed under pressure. To ensure critical resources are available for those who need them most, we’re advising people to only visit hospitals for serious or life-threatening conditions. We’ve also implemented additional measures, such as increasing bed capacity and redeploying staff to areas with the greatest need.

Community healthcare services are also playing a vital role in managing the surge by providing care outside of hospitals. This helps reduce the burden on emergency departments and ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate care.

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Archyde: what message would you like to share with the public as we navigate this flu peak?

Dr. Henry: My message is simple: stay vigilant. Get vaccinated if you haven’t already, practice good hygiene—like frequent handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes—and stay home if you’re feeling unwell.These measures not only protect you but also help safeguard our healthcare system and the most vulnerable in our communities.

We’re all in this together, and by taking these steps, we can get through this challenging flu season.

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Dr. Colm henry is the Chief Clinical Officer at the HSE and a leading voice in Ireland’s public health response. For more data on flu prevention and vaccination,visit HSE.ie.

Stay informed with Archyde for the latest updates on Ireland’s flu season and other breaking news.