The public in Limerick told to be on guard amid a rising number of Covid and flu cases

FLU cases in the Midwest region have more than doubled in the past week public health experts have warned. 

As well as the flu, the number of Covid-19 cases has also risen, while RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) continues to circulate widely in the community, particularly among children aged under 5.

Public Health HSE Mid-West have a stark warning about the rising figures and their potential negative impact on healthcare services over the Christmas period.

“Due to the social nature of the Christmas holidays, we are concerned about further household and community outbreaks of respiratory infections,” a spokesperson for Public Health HSE Mid-West said. 

“We have been notified of outbreaks in healthcare settings and are managing multiple outbreaks of acute respiratory illnesses in long-term care facilities in the Midwest,” they added.

The group said that it is not too late for people to get their vaccinations ahead of the holidays, advising those who are interested to contact their GP or pharmacy.

The spokesperson for the group said that it is really important that “we do all we can” to try to prevent the spread of respiratory illness in healthcare settings like hospitals, maternity units, nursing homes or residential care facilities. 

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“This means avoiding visiting these places if we have respiratory symptoms. This will help protect those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of these infections and avoid impact on services at a very busy time of year,” they added.