There has been a noticeable increase in the number of people presenting to the Emergency Department at Tipperary University Hospital with respiratory illnesses.
It comes as the HSE is urging people to assess if they need to go to hospital or not if they become sick over Christmas.
Hospitals are experiencing significant pressure due to a rise in flu, Covid and RSV cases.
Manager at TUH Maria Barry says the RSV vaccine in particular has been a success.
“We’ve seen an increase in the number of patients that are attending from all age categories with respiratory type symptoms. Particularly vulnerable are the older person and the young children and infants.
“I would be urging every expectant mother to ensure that her infant after they’re born avails of the RSV vaccination. We’re seen that this has decreased the number of children or infants that are presenting with RSV so that’s been very effective. That vaccination programme started in September.”
People in Tipperary are also being urged to ensure they are up to date with flu and Covid-19 vaccinations.
Maria Barry says anyone with flu-like symptoms shouldn’t visit people in hospital or family and friends who might be vulnerable.
“Consider who you are visiting. If they’re in that vulnerable category – older or young people – then we shouldn’t be visiting. And particularly from a hospital perspective if they are sick at home please don’t come and visit loved ones in hospital because the transmission of infection can be high.”
