Flu season may have peaked

The HSE had been predicting the virus would reach its highest levels next week – but a surge in cases last week means the situation could be as bad as it’s going to get.

The outbreak has added huge pressure to hospital Emergency Departments leaving hundreds of patients on trolleys – today that figure stands at 473.

The picture is worst at University Hospital Limerick, which serves North Tipp, where there are 48 people who are waiting for a bed.

The numbers are also up at South Tipp General today at 22 from 9 on Thursday.

But Dr Kevin Kelleher of the HSE thinks things should start to improve soon.