The HSE South has advised that all acute hospitals within this region are experiencing a similar influenza spike.
In an effort to reduce the spread of virus in healthcare settings, all HSE hospitals in Kerry and Cork are subject to visiting restrictions.
Hospital management say only one visitor per patient will be allowed during visiting times, and all visitors are asked to wear surgical masks (which will be provided). Visiting times at each hospital will be strictly enforced.
The public are reminded not to visit if feeling unwell with a temperature, runny nose, cough, diarrhoea or vomiting.
The measures will be lifted as soon as possible when clinical circumstances allow. But certain exceptions will be made by contacting ward staff in advance.
“We are introducing this visitor restrictions in light of the increasing cases of flu circulating. Unfortunately, flu rates in the community continue to increase and we are taking these measures within our hospitals to keep patients safe,” said HSE South West Regional Director of Public Health, Dr Anne Sheahan.
Dr Sheahan thanked the public for their support and advised that anyone eligible for a free flu vaccine should get it as soon as possible.
“We continue to see a rapid increase in the number of cases with patients with influenza, and in the number of patients needing to be hospitalised,” she said.
“This presents a risk to those who are susceptible to more severe disease including those aged over 60; those with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised. Our strong advice to those groups is to get vaccinated now and get the protection they need.”
The Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has warned that seasonal flu has hit Ireland ‘fast and hard’ this year, and will add enormous strain to the already stretched public hospital system.
Dr Peadar Gilligan, a member of the Consultant Committee of the IMO, said there is a doubling of cases in the last two weeks reported to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre.
Dr Gilligan said that, nationally, nine people have so far died from influenza in Ireland this flu season – all but one of whom were over sixty-five years of age.
He added that flu cases are projected to exceed one thousand in the coming weeks in Irish hospitals.