HSE issues warning as respiratory illnesses on the rise in Mid-West ...
The Mid-West region is experiencing a surge in influenza and covid-19 cases, as well as hospitalisations and outbreaks in healthcare settings in recent weeks.
The HSE has issued a warning about high levels of respiratory illness circulating in the region, leading to an increase in the number of patients attending EDs.
The week of December 17 saw flu cases quadruple in the space of two weeks, which pinpointed the first major spike of the season.
The HSE expects the peak to be reached in the next two or three weeks.
Acute respiratory illnesses are in circulation but rarely get tested. However, they still pose a major risk to the community.
Christmas and new year social activity will likely lead to another massive increase in acute respiratory infections.
Covid-19 continues to circulate, with the JN 1 variant becoming the dominant strain.
The variant may be more transmissible than previous variants, resulting in more infections and this may contribute to more cases overall, again increasing demand for services and leading to outbreaks in healthcare settings.
Although RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) levels are declining following its peak early last month, it is still in circulation and poses a serious risk of bronchiolitis in young children and severe illnesses in adults.
The HSE urged people to get flu or covid-19 vaccines if they qualify, as it will help to prevent serious illnesses.
The HSE is continuing to work with patients to provide treatment in alternative services to avoid hospital admission, if possible.
“We again urge the public to avail of any other health services if they are unwell, including the GP, urgent out-of-hours service Shannondoc, injury units, and any other setting which avoids use of emergency departments if it's not clinically necessary or a life threatening episode,” a statement said.
