Visitor restrictions have been put in place at hospitals in Cork and Laois to help limit the spread of influenza.
At Cork University Hospital, visits are restricted to one visitor per patient per day for a maximum of 15 minutes.
Visitors must wear surgical masks and use hand sanitiser provided.
There is no visiting permitted outside of visiting times, which are between 2pm and 4pm, and 6pm and 8pm.
The HSE says these measures will remain in place for as long as clinically necessary. It says compassionate exceptions can be arranged in advance by contacting the relevant ward.
"Unfortunately, flu rates in the community remain high, and we must continue visitor restrictions at CUH to protect our patients," Cork University Hospital Chief Executive Jennifer Kearney said.
"We are very grateful for the public's continued cooperation and understanding as it makes a real difference to patient safety."
Ms Kearney also encouraged people to take proactive steps.
"If you haven't yet received your flu vaccine, it’s not too late," she said.
"We are still seeing patients hospitalised with influenza and presenting at our emergency department. Getting vaccinated now offers important protection for you and for those around you."
Visiting restrictions have also been put in place at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise in light of a high number of patients with respiratory viral illnesses such as influenza.
The hospital has put in place the restrictions, as a precautionary measure, to help reduce the spread of the virus.
All wards are impacted by the restrictions although the hospital said compassionate and critical visits in exceptional circumstances will be accommodated.
Paediatric services are limited to one parent at a time and maternity services visits are limited to birthing partner only.
The hospital said it continues to experience a surge in attendances and increasing numbers of people requiring admission which is affecting bed capacity.
Patients who are presenting at the emergency department with non-urgent conditions are experiencing very long waiting times.
Where possible, the hospital is urging patients with non-urgent conditions to seek assistance in other parts of the health service, such as their local pharmacy, GP, GP out of hours service, or a local injury unit.
