HSE Dublin and South East update on flu and its impact on healthcare services in the region

As high numbers of people presenting with symptoms of respiratory illness is placing pressure on hospitals, the HSE says it is asking everyone to help stop the spread of flu by staying at home if you’re sick.

If you need care, visit your pharmacy, GP or family doctor, GP Out of Hours, or an injury unit for non-serious issues like fractures or burns.

Also, remember to wash your hands and cover your coughs and sneezes.

If you’re having trouble breathing or feel chest pain, go to the emergency department or call 112 or 999.

In order to protect patients and staff, visiting restrictions are in place across St. Vincent University Hospital, St. Michael’s Hospital Dun Laoghaire, St. Columcille’s Hospital Loughlinstown, the National Maternity Hospital and the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital.

Many hospitals are also implementing mask wearing measures as a further precaution. Please cooperate with staff to protect patients and staff.

All healthcare workers and people in at-risk groups are urged to get the Flu Vaccine.

Likewise, all those eligible for a COVID-19 booster are being encouraged to receive it.

The Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time.

Making the appeal, Dr. Vida Hamilton (Regional Clinical Director, HSE Dublin and South East/Consultant Anaesthetist and Intensivist at University Hospital Waterford) says:

“The Flu Vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from flu this winter.

“Being vaccinated reduces risk and helps to avoid serious illness, hospitalisation and even death.

“A high rate of Flu vaccination among healthcare workers and other at-risk groups in in our communities will help us to limit the damage flu infection can bring.

“As we are also expecting a cold spell of weather this weekend and coming into next week we ask people, especially older or more vulnerable people to take extra care during the cold spell.

“Keeping warm, eating well and avoiding unnecessary travel is important during very cold weather. Slips and falls in icy conditions are a big source of broken wrists and hips. “

Dr Carmel Mullaney, Regional Director of Public Health said:

“Unfortunately, every winter we see rises in certain infections, including seasonal flu and winter vomiting virus (norovirus).

“While for many, such illnesses are unpleasant but relatively mild, for some people, especially the very young or those who are older, and with underlying medical conditions, these infections can be very serious.

“To protect ourselves, those vulnerable adults and children in our lives, and to support our health and care services, it is really important that we do everything we can to reduce the risk of spread of infection.

“Due to sustained presentations with flu symptoms and an increase in flu positive cases, many healthcare facilities and hospitals have introduced visitor restrictions and mask wearing. We are asking people to comply with the local advice and measures being put in place across the service.

I would like to remind people of the more fundamental measures we can all take to avoid either catching or spreading infection. Frequent hand washing with soap and water helps prevents the spread of the flu and other viruses. When you’re sick, it’s best to avoid contact with people who are vulnerable. Stay home from your place of work or school if you feel unwell. If you do become sick, self-management for the more mild symptoms with paracetamol, fluids and rest helps a great majority of people.  And of course, vaccination is still available, and still worthwhile. Prevention is much easier than treatment.”

The Flu Vaccine:

The Flu vaccine is available from GPs and pharmacies. The children’s nasal Flu vaccine is available from pharmacies.

The HSE has recently completed a programme of Flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations for residents and staff in both public and privately run long term care facilities.

The HSE has ongoing clinics in place for healthcare workers to receive both Flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations.

COVID-19 booster vaccinations:

For those eligible, the COVID-19 booster vaccination is available from GPs and pharmacies.

Where can you get the vaccines?:

For GPs in South Dublin that are administering the Flu and COVID-19 booster vaccinations, please check: https://www2.hse.ie/services/find-a-gp/

For Pharmacies in South Dublin where the Flu vaccine, the children’s nasal Flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster vaccinations are available, please check: https://www2.hse.ie/services/pharmacies-flu-and-covid-vaccines/

Details of HSE Flu and COVID-19 vaccination clinics for healthcare workers are listed at: https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/covid-19-and-flu-vaccination-clinics-for-staff/

Information to keep well during winter is listed at: www.hse.ie/media/documents/Be_Winter_Ready_booklet_2024-2025.pdf