A visiting ban remains in place at Tipperary University Hospital in Clonmel due to a large outbreak of the flu. The move is to protect vulnerable patients and limit the spread of infection with high numbers of flu cases and respiratory illnesses. Flu figures across the country remain high, with 2,049 cases recorded in the week to last Saturday. More than 600 patients with respiratory illnesses in hospitalsHSE chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry said 632 patients are sick with respiratory illnesses in hospitals nationwide. Mr Henry added that many more people are presenting to GPs and medical out-of-hours services and that the impact of respiratory illnesses has been significant, including on hospital emergency departments.

Source: Irish Examiner January 11, 2026 11:33 UTC