HSE urges people to get flu and Covid vaccines to avoid pressure on hospitals

Vivienne Clarke

The HSE is urging the public to get the Flu vaccine and the Covid vaccine to avoid pressure on emergency departments and hospital beds.

A spokesperson told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland that “flu season” is getting earlier and earlier every year and a sharp increase has already been noticed this year, mostly cases of Influenza A.

The symptoms of flu include a high temperature, aches and pains, cough, nasal congestion for which the advised treatment is paracetamol, fluids and rest.

People should also stay at home for up to 48 hours after they are recovered to ensure they do not infect others.

“People can be unwell for up to five or six days. The best course of action is to stay at home and rest and avoid going to the office or the Christmas party," the spokesperson said.

The people most at risk from influenza are the elderly and those with underlying conditions who should avail of the free vaccine through their general practitioner or pharmacy, the spokesperson urged.

Even people with mild symptoms should keep away from at risk groups and not visit people in hospitals or nursing homes.

Cases of influenza are already having an impact on hospital bed occupancy and cases are starting to present in emergency departments.