Cork sees surge in reported cases of RSV, flu and covid-19

THE HSE has warned respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and flu are circulating at very high levels with Cork having the second-highest number of RSV cases and the most cases of flu in the country last week.

The health service is currently managing 23 outbreaks of respiratory illness, with a 60% rise in the number of confirmed flu cases and a doubling of the number of patients who require hospitalisation due to flu reported.

Cork recorded the second-highest number of RSV cases in the country last week at 58, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre’s respiratory virus notification data hub. There were 66 cases of influenza recorded in Cork last week, the highest in the country. Cork also had the second-highest number of recorded covid-19 cases last week at 47.

People have been urged to help limit the spread by cocooning very young babies, practising respiratory etiquette, and making sure all vaccines are up to date.

National clinical lead for health protection surveillance, Dr Greg Martin, said: “Most cases of RSV and flu can be cared for at home, and usually clears between two to three weeks without treatment. Stay home from crèche, school or work and ask your pharmacist for advice on medicines.

“Parents and caregivers should be vigilant of symptoms, trust their instincts, and always contact their GP if they are worried, especially if the symptoms get worse quickly.”

Last week also saw the highest weekly number of cases of RSV and the highest weekly hospitalisations caused by RSV in Ireland.

National clinical lead in child public health, Dr Abigail Collins, said: “We advise people with babies, particularly very young babies, to try to cocoon them and avoid having them in large crowds, or near people with cold and respiratory symptoms. If your child is sick, keep them away from other children and vulnerable adults where possible.”