Spike in respiratory illnesses putting Cork doctors under pressure
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) Respiratory Virus Notification Data Hub which identifies notified cases and outbreaks of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, shows that week one of this year has seen 1,628 cases of flu nationally,414 of whom were hospitalised.
CORK doctors are facing mounting pressure as they battle to cope with a spike in respiratory illnesses.
It follows data released by the HSE which showed a stark increase in respiratory illness and hospitalisations resulting from them.
The information outlined how there were 105 confirmed Covid-19 cases in the first week of January 2024 in Cork alone.
Some 146 confirmed cases of influenza in Cork were recorded for the same period.
A total of 26 RSV cases, which is particularly common in children aged four and under-were also identified in the Cork area in the first week of January, 2024.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) Respiratory Virus Notification Data Hub which identifies notified cases and outbreaks of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, shows that week one of this year has seen 1,628 cases of flu nationally,414 of whom were hospitalised.
It marks the highest number of influenza cases and hospitalisations to date this winter season, almost doubling the number recorded for the week before Christmas.
That same period also recorded 1,200 cases of COVID-19, 459 of which led to hospitalisations. It marks the highest volume of Covid-19 cases identified nationally since the last Covid-19 wave in August, 2023.
The HSE is advising anyone with symptoms of a respiratory illness to stay at home and avoid contact.
“Vaccination is particularly encouraged for people who are at a higher risk of severe illness, like pregnant women or those aged over 65. Health and care workers should get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and patients. You can go to the GP or pharmacy to get your vaccine.”
For more information visit respiratoryvirus.hpsc.ie
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