HSE in Mayo preparing for significant increases in Christmas influenza and respiratory illness

The HSE have warned that health services in Mayo are preparing for further significant increases in influenza and respiratory illness during the Christmas season.

With the flu in the community likely to peak over the Christmas holiday, health services are warning of the direct impact it will have on the capacity of health services, both in hospitals and in primary and community care settings.

HSE Health Manager for Mayo, Mary Warde expressed concern about rising cases of respiratory illness in the community which will put local health services under significant strain over the Christmas period.

“In the last week, over 600 people nationally were hospitalised due to Covid, flu and RSV. When this is added to the usual demand placed on the health service, it brings significant pressure on the public and healthcare staff.

“We are asking our local communities across Mayo to please consider all healthcare options if you or your family become unwell. Depending on your illness, there are a number of treatment options open to you including out-of-hours GP and pharmacies. Being prepared and knowing where to go will mean that you will get treated more quickly and will ease pressures on the healthcare system,” she said.

Ms Warde encouraged people who do require emergency care to attend Emergency Departments where they will be prioritised but added that patients who attend the ED for routine and non-urgent treatment may experience long waiting times as we treat our sickest patients first.

“I also want to remind the public that Roscommon Injury Unit is open every day of the year, including Christmas Day and can treat a wide range of breaks, sprains, burns and minor injuries,” she said.

Dr Áine McNamara, HSE West North West Director of Public Health said that with the cases of Covid-19, RSV and influenza on the rise, there is still time to get a vaccine.

“A combined total of almost 2,000 cases of Covid-19, RSV and influenza have been notified nationally in the past week. Over the same week, Emergency Departments across the country have experienced significant increases in people presenting to ED with Covid-19, Influenza and RSV.

“We expect this trend to continue, however there is still time to get a vaccine. Every eligible person across the Sligo Leitrim region should get their winter vaccines ahead of Christmas to protect themselves, and their family and friends from the worst impacts of flu and Covid-19.

“It is really important that we protect vulnerable people from the risk of infection so please do not visit family members in a hospital, nursing home or any healthcare setting if you are unwell. I know it’s difficult at this time of year as we all want to visit our loved ones, but if you have any symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, coughs or colds I would urge you to postpone your visit until 48 hours after the symptoms have cleared.”