HSE urges flu vaccination as cases increase

Health services in Dublin North (City and County) and West have seen a rapid increase in cases of patients with flu and respiratory illness and are preparing for further significant increases in the coming days and weeks. The impact of flu circulating in the community has a direct impact on the capacity of health services, both in hospitals and in primary and community care settings.

HSE Integrated Health Area Manager for Dublin North City and West, Mellany McLoone, is concerned about rising cases of flu and respiratory illness in the community which will put local health services under significant strain over the coming weeks.

Ms. McLoone said, “There has been a rapid increase in the number of patients with flu, including those needing hospitalisation nationally. When this is added to the usual demand placed on the health service, it brings significant pressure on the public and healthcare staff.”

“We are asking our local communities across Dublin North City and West to please consider all healthcare options if you or your family become unwell. Depending on your illness, there are a number of treatment options open to you including out-of-hours GP and pharmacies. Being prepared and knowing where to go will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system.”

HSE Integrated Health Area Manager for Dublin North County, Robert Kidd is encouraging people who require emergency care to still attend their local Emergency Department. Mr Kidd said, “As always, people who do require emergency care are encouraged to attend the Emergency Department where they will be prioritised. Patients who attend the ED for routine and non-urgent treatment may experience long waiting times as we treat our sickest patients first. I also want to remind the public that the Injury Unit in Smithfield is open Monday to Thursday and can treat a wide range of injuries including breaks, sprains, burns and minor injuries.”

Dr Deirdre Mulholland, Regional Director of Public Health HSE Dublin and North East said; “A combined total of over 3,492 cases of COVID-19, RSV and influenza have been notified nationally in the past week, almost 3,000 of these are influenza. Over the same week, Emergency Departments across the country have experienced significant increases in people presenting to ED with Influenza. Individuals with COVID-19 and RSV are also presenting to EDs”

“We expect this trend to continue, however there is still time to get a vaccine. Every eligible person across the Dublin North City and County and West region should get their winter vaccines ahead of Christmas to protect themselves, and their family and friends from the worst impacts of flu and COVID-19.

Dr Mulholland concluded; “It is really important that we protect vulnerable people from the risk of infection so please do not visit a family member in a hospital, nursing home or any healthcare setting if you are unwell. I know it’s difficult at this time of year as we all want to visit our loved ones, but if you have any symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, coughs or colds I would urge you to postpone your visit until 48 hours after the symptoms have cleared.”

Be prepared – Know where to go

·        Check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats

• Visit your local pharmacy for expert advice
• Contact your family doctor as necessary.
• The GP out-of-hours service is a high-quality clinical service for urgent care. You must make an appointment in advance. Urgent out-of-hours GP care (DDOC) is available to patients of participating practices when your own surgery closes in the evening and whose care cannot wait until their own GP surgery re-opens.
• DDOC is not a walk-in service and is by appointment only for those who are seriously unwell, and whose care cannot wait until your own GP surgery re-opens, nor is DDOC a routine service for patients who have not registered with a local GP. The phone number for DDOC is 0818 22 44 76.Emergency Departments treat seriously ill patients. Those with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen in emergency departments.
• Mater Smithfield Injury Unit is open Monday to Thursday 8.00am to 5.30pm. It treats patients over 16 years old.

Get Vaccinated 

·        To see what vaccines are recommended for you: visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.

Keep well this winter

Further HSE advice and information available here on how to keep well this winter.

LAIV Catch-up Walk-in Clinics

HSE Dublin North (City and County) and West are offering free catch-up Live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) nasal vaccines to those aged 2-17 years old. The HSE LAIV catch-up programme helps protect children who missed their flu vaccine by providing quick, effective immunity against seasonal flu. It reduces the spread of influenza in schools and communities, helping keep children healthier and reducing healthcare pressures.