There are more than 1,000 of people in hospital with the flu, the HSE has confirmed.
A total of 1,017 people were recorded to have the flu in hospital on New Year's Eve, compared to 984 yesterday, 869 the previous day and 562 last Tuesday.
A spokesperson for the HSE described hospitals across the country as "extremely busy", adding that GP surgeries and the ambulance services were also impacted.
Yesterday, emergency departments saw a total of 5,150 patients attending, with 1,200 of those admitted for various cases and emergencies, including those suffering from winter respiratory viruses, mainly flu.
CEO of the HSE Bernard Gloster said that yesterday was the second highest day of emergency department attendance over the Christmas period.
"This morning we had 322 people admitted and waiting on trolleys and they were being cared for in both hospital wards and in our EDs.
"All our staff and systems are responding and managing very well. Even though we have improved on recent years, there is no doubt that the system is under pressure.
"Our hospitals are operating infection prevention control measures, and we ask everyone to help and co-operate, including with any visitor restrictions that may be in place".
The HSE has advised that people experiencing flu symptoms self-care and take appropriate recommendations from their pharmacist or GP.
Mr Gloster said those experiencing chest pain or breathing difficulties should go to an ED if no other clinician is available to them.
Additional advice is also available on the HSE website.
"A significant number of GP practices around the country are offering additional hours outside their normal surgery hours in the morning, evening and at weekends. The number of people using the GP out-of-hours service has increased by over 45% in some areas, compared to the same period last year.
"We would urge people who are feeling unwell to contact their GP," Mr Gloster said.
Flu is circulating widely our communities. Please help to keep our sick and vulnerable patients safe from infection.
— HSE Mid West (@HSEMidWest) December 31, 2024
🔴Do not visit a hospital or healthcare setting if you are unwell
🔴Postpone your visit until symptoms have cleared for at least 48 hours pic.twitter.com/nXLts1xEoY
Dr Alan Watts, consultant in Emergency Medicine at University Hospital Limerick, said the hospital had seen a 34% increase in those attending the emergency department compared with last year.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he recommended people with symptoms like a high temperature, aches and pains, or a dry cough, should stay at home.
"All of the other recommendations that we would usually make in relation to respiratory viruses ensure good handwashing, cough into your elbow, the infection control groups are now recommending wearing masks again, certainly if you’re visiting a hospital, but you should stay away from people who are vulnerable as well," he said.
New Year’s Eve
The HSE is also asking people to take care when socialising during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Mr Gloster said "We would ask if you are in any way flu symptomatic please protect yourself and others by restricting your contacts and please do not visit people in hospital or care settings."
He added that vaccination for certain groups remains available, and advised visiting the HSE website, speaking to a GP or pharmacist or calling HSELive on 1800-700-700 for more information.
