ALERT: Limerick public advised 'stay home' from work / school if feeling unwell as flu cases soar

PUBLIC Health HSE Mid West is appealing to people to stay at home if they are feeling unwell, particularly those returning to work and children returning to school, as we are experiencing a substantial surge in influenza (flu) cases in the region.

Since Sunday last, December 29, at least 396* flu cases have been recorded in the Mid-West region – the highest weekly incidence this season. We are concerned about this level of flu circulating in the community.

While the flu had been circulating in the community since September, the first major spike did not occur until mid-December. Increased social activity over the Christmas period has contributed to a further surge in flu cases.

Flu is likely to continue circulating at high levels in the community for a number of weeks. To prevent further spread, we are appealing to people to stay at home if they are feeling unwell.

While most children who catch flu will have mild symptoms, it can cause serious illness in some children. If your child is feeling unwell, please make sure they stay at home until they are symptom-free for two days, or if they are feeling better.

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Returning to work with symptoms of a respiratory illness (e.g. flu, COVID-19, RSV) can result in colleagues also becoming unwell.

It is also still not too late for healthcare workers, at-risk individuals (pregnant; older persons; those with weak immune systems; aged 60 and older) and children aged two-17 to avail of free flu vaccines, which are available from GPs and participating pharmacies.

We urge people across the region to assist in curtailing the spread of flu by staying at home if you have symptoms. People should adhere to simple coughing and sneezing etiquette, such as using a tissue or coughing/sneezing into your elbow, and not your hands. Handwashing, with warm water and soap, is effective at preventing possible spread of infection.

Our acute health services also remain busy due to increased levels of flu hospitalisations. You should consider all available healthcare options, including local pharmacies, your family doctors, or the ShannonDoc out-of-hours GP service on 0818 123 500, and Limerick Doc on 087 755 1570.

Many GP practices in the Mid West are offering extended opening hours. Please contact your GP to check availability and services near you. Visitors to our hospitals are asked not to visit if you have any symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea, a cough, cold or a temperature.