The HSE is urging the public to ensure they are up to date with vaccination. Photograph: GettyHospitals throughout the country remain “very busy” with 677 people hospitalised with a respiratory illness, the Health Service Executive has said. There were 2,321 new respiratory illness cases notified over the past week, which includes flu, Covid-19 and RSV. The HSE said while there are signs flu levels may have peaked with 1,777 cases reported last week, down from 3,547 the week before, reporting of respiratory illness levels over the Christmas period can be affected. It has warned the public to remain vigilant, as levels of flu and other respiratory illnesses are expected to increase over the New Year period.

Source: The Irish Times December 31, 2025 02:38 UTC