The number of confirmed cases of influenza has increased by 260 per cent over the past two weeks, according to the latest figures from the infectious disease watchdog.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) on Thursday published the latest information on the circulation of respiratory illnesses in the State.
There were a total of 999 cases of flu in the week ending December 14th, up from 530 the previous week and 277 the week before that.
A total of 264 patients required hospital treatment for flu last week, while there were two intensive care admissions and one death. The number of flu-related deaths this winter season stands at six.
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According to the HPSC, influenza bed occupancy has been increasing since early this month, with a total of 706 cases requiring hospital treatment since the winter season began. There were 20 outbreaks of flu last week, almost all of which were in hospitals and nursing homes.
In a statement, the HSE said emergency departments have experienced significant increases in the numbers presenting to them with flu and other viruses. With people set to mix in significant numbers over the Christmas period, it said more people would find themselves seriously ill.
“We expect the week of Christmas and the new year to see flu cases at their highest so far this season, and modelling shows hospitalisations from flu alone to be in the region of 600-900,” said HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster.
“When all other factors are taken into consideration, people can expect to see all access points to healthcare under pressure over the next few weeks.”
Cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also on the rise, more than doubling week-on-week from 305 to 664.
Some 248 people have required hospital treatment for RSV this winter season, with three admissions to intensive care. There have been no reported RSV-related deaths.
Mr Gloster said the “good news” is that the number of RSV cases among infants aged less than three months has “sharply decreased” since the roll-out of a vaccination programme for newborns.
“Only 24 babies were hospitalised with RSV since the vaccination programme started, a significant fall from the 413 cases in the same period last year. This is a reminder of the importance of progressive vaccination programmes,” he said.
According to the HPSC, Covid-19 cases remain at a relatively low level, though there was an increase in the past week.
There were 186 cases notified last week, up from 114 in the previous seven days. The number of people with Covid-19 requiring hospital care has risen, but intensive care admissions and deaths remain low. Viral loads in tested wastewater decreased in most catchment areas last week.
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