Latest figures from the HSE suggest that the flu season has peaked, however the health system remains under major pressure.

According to the HSE’s latest Winter Infections Epidemiology Report, during the second week of 2023, reported cases of influenza fell by 48% while the number of people hospitalised with influenza fell by 49%.

Cases of Covid-19 and RSV have also fallen. During the second week of 2023, the number of reported cases of Covid-19 dropped by 47% while the number of RSV cases dropped by 38%.

The number of people hospitalised with Covid-19 during the same period fell by 47%, while the number of people hospitalised with RSV fell by 26%.

“The latest data would suggest that the flu season has peaked and that the pressure from Covid-19 and RSV continues to decline. However, even if this pattern continues, we expect ongoing pressure on the healthcare system from these viruses,” commented HSE chief clinical officer, Dr Colm Henry.

According to interim CEO of the HSE, Stephen Mulvany, there has also been a big improvement in emergency departments (EDs), with fewer patients being left waiting on trolleys. He said that this is largely due to the “significant efforts of our teams on the ground and the wider system, including GPs”.

“If, as we hope, the flu season has peaked, it will still take some weeks before the pressure on hospitals eases. We continue to work to drive these numbers down further in a safe way,” he added.

Figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) showed that on the morning of Friday, January 20, there were 482 admitted patients waiting on trolleys, including 65 in University Hospital Limerick, 49 in University Hospital Galway and 48 in Cork University Hospital.

The HSE is reminding people to ensure they are vaccinated against influenza and Covid-19 and to stay at home if they develop respiratory symptoms until they have resolved.