Mayo GPs prepare for onslaught of flus this Christmas

A MAYO GP fears that 'vaccine-phobia' among parents and the general public will contribute to the spread of influenza and other viruses around the county this Christmas.

The HSE has issued a warning that health services in Mayo are preparing for further significant increases in influenza and respiratory illness during the Christmas season which could have a direct impact on the capacity of health services, both in hospitals and in primary and community care settings.

Crossmolina-based GP and the new Coroner for Mayo, Dr Eleanor Fitzgerald, told The Mayo News that medical professionals are preparing themselves for an onslaught of respiratory illnesses this Christmas and New Year. She said that the flu vaccine is the best and safest option to prevent serious illness but admitted there was still reluctance in some parents to give it to their children.

“Having worked in Westdoc and seen patients very sick on Christmas Day and St Stephen's Day, the numbers can be very high. A lot of people don't need to be seen but older people and those with complications are really at risk and do get very ill and that is the worry.

“That is why the flu vaccination is very important and parents should be aware of their children getting the vaccine because they are the biggest carriers of the virus and it spreads from house to house very quickly.

Prevention is key

“There is evidence there that it is very safe but there is still a reluctance in some parents in giving it and there is a vaccine-phobia or suspicion. Vaccines are the way to go and prevention is the key. It prevents the anti-bodies from going down with it and once a flu gets into an area it is epidemic and is so contagious,” she explained.

Dr Fitzgerald acknowledged that preventing the spread of viruses can be very difficult over Christmas because of the number of people travelling home from abroad and visiting friends and relatives. She said they spread by sneezing and coughing and people with symptoms should take precautions to help prevent the spread of viruses.

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 they treat the sickest patients first.

Injury Unit

“I also want to remind the public that the 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 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.”