Flu, COVID, RSV Update 13.01.23 | CMO Prof Breda Smyth

Hospitalisations for flu have reached a record high while COVID and RSV are still circulating at high levels. Protect yourself by getting your winter vaccines. Children aged 2 - 17 can get the flu vaccine at walk-in vaccination centres around the country. #FluVaccine #forusall https://www2.hse.ie/ | https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-health/?referrer=/ TRANSCRIPT: Hi everyone. Well, we continue to see a rise in flu cases with more than 3,000 cases and almost 700 hospitalisations reported in the last week. This is the highest ever reported in the last decade. It's still not too late to protect yourself and others by getting your flu vaccine. I am once again appealing to parents to consider this for your child, particularly as we've seen high numbers of children hospitalised as a result of flu this season and flu is still circulating at very high levels. Parents can now bring their children aged between 2 and 17 to walk-in vaccination clinics. You don't need an appointment and it's free of charge. This service will operate until the 23rd of January. And let's not forget about COVID which is still very much with us. We saw a significant increase in hospitalised cases over the Christmas period. Currently, we're beginning to see a decline, however, we are also closely monitoring the Omicron sub-variant XBB 1.5 which is reported to have increased transmissibility. It is circulating in the US and we have identified 26 cases to date here in Ireland. It's unclear what impact this variant will have and it is never too late to increase your protection. Your winter booster vaccine will boost your protection as it is adapted for the Omicron strain of the virus. RSV, although decreasing, is still circulating at very high levels. With children back to school and us all back at work it is very important we reinforce our behaviours. Stay home if we have new onset symptoms. However, it is important - if you are feeling very unwell - please seek medical attention. There have been a reduction in hospital attendances by older people. And it is concerning that older people may not be seeking the medical attention they need. Overall, we still have very high levels of circulating respiratory viruses. Let's continue to practice the simple measures that protect us. Wash your hands, wear your mask, ventilate spaces and practice good respiratory etiquette. Thank you.