The HSE is advising people with non-urgent issues to avoid Cork University Hospital and Mercy University Hospital due to high levels of emergency department activity related to winter viruses.
It said those with non-urgent presentations will be waiting a long time at EDs and are advised to seek alternative treatments.
It asked the public in Cork to consider all care options including GPs, pharmacists and SouthDoc out-of-hours services.
In a statement, HSE South West said that GPs can access Urgent Virtual Care, a new telehealth service which allows GPs and paramedics to consult directly by phone or by video call.
It said this service can advise people whether they need to attend the emergency department.
The HSE urged people who do require emergency care to attend EDs as they will be prioritised.
HSE Area Manager for Cork South and West Priscilla Lynch asked the public to consider all alternative care options.
She said: "Those who believe they may be seriously ill and require emergency care should come to hospital, but we would ask others who are not seriously ill, to consider seeking support from pharmacists, GPs, SouthDoc and Injury Units.
"We must take care of the sickest people first so please, stop and ask yourself: 'Do I really need to attend the ED?' Our Emergency Department cares for those who are seriously ill or injured, so please consider alternative care pathways and seek assistance from other parts of the health service."
