People in Tipperary urged to get vaccinated as cases of respiratory illness remains high
The HSE in the mid-west is appealing to people in north Tipperary, Limerick and Clare to avail of flu and COVID-19 vaccines as cases of respiratory illness rains high.
New figures for the mid-west show that between December 10, 2023 and January 7, 2024 cases of flu more than doubled from 26 cases to 59, reaching a high of 63 in the previous week.
Cases of Covid-19 went from 40 cases on December 10 to 63 on January 7.
The highest amount of COVID-19 was as of New Year's Eve with 102 cases.
RSV peaked at 77 cases in the week of December 10 and has declined in recent weeks to 36 cases as of January 7.
However, the HSE say they continue to manage high levels of acute respiratory infections across the Mid-West region.
In statement this week, they said:
While the rate of increase appears to be slowing, levels of respiratory infections remain high in the region with a number of new outbreaks in healthcare settings and long-term care facilities. Public Health is currently managing ten outbreaks of flu, COVID-19 and RSV in long-term care facilities across the Mid-West.
"The most vulnerable in our community, including the elderly and those with weak immune systems remain at risk of serious illness from these respiratory infections."
The HSE is reminding the public that winter vaccines are still available from GPs and pharmacies.
Dr Breda Cosgrove, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at Public Health HSE Mid-West, said some groups in particular should consider getting vaccinated.
“Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness for many people. That’s why we’re urging anyone eligible to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines. This includes older people, healthcare workers, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women. If you haven’t already had your vaccines, it’s not too late.”
Dr Patrick Stapleton, Consultant Microbiologist, UL Hospitals Group, said:
“Getting vaccinated for Flu and COVID-19 offers the best protection available against becoming seriously ill and potentially having to attend hospital for emergency care. Our data on emergency department viral illness presentations and hospital outbreaks shows now is the time of highest risk for these infections, and vaccination significantly lowers those risks.”