As per reports, on Monday (22 December) Ireland is experiencing a rapid rise in influenza (flu) cases, with other respiratory illnesses such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Covid-19 circulating concurrently.

• The Health Service Executive (HSE) has indicated that the flu season is expected to peak during Monday (22 December) to Sunday (28 December), coinciding with the busiest period for hospitals and emergency departments.
• Latest data show 3,287 flu cases reported in the 13 December, compared to only 41 cases in early October. RSV cases have risen from 18 to 435 during the same period, while Covid-19 cases have fallen to 171 by December.
• 17 deaths have been confirmed at the start of the winter season due to influenza, with 62 patients requiring intensive care admissions. Hospitals have already implemented visitor restrictions in some locations to protect vulnerable patients.