The HSE has released figures showing a significant drop in illnesses such as Covid-19, flu, and RSV in the second week of January.
The welcome news arrives after the 'triple threat' of winter illnesses led to a spike in hospitalisations late last year. The most noticeable decrease occurred in flu cases, with a 48 % drop reported in hospitalisations for the illness.
Health experts suggest that seasonal flu has now peaked following the release of the figures. Cases went from 3,053 in the first week of the month to just 1,573 between 8-14 January.
READ MORE: Covid-19 vaccine centres new opening hours for Citywest and Punchestown
There has been a 47% decrease in Covid-19 cases in hospital, with figures dropping from 1,836 over the course of one week. However, health experts say that the lower level of illness should not lead to complacency.
The HSE's Chief Clinical Officer Colm Henry said: "The latest data would suggest that the flu season has peaked, and that the pressure from COVID-19 and RSV continues to decline. However, even if this pattern continues, we expect ongoing pressure on the healthcare system from these viruses."
He added: "We urge ongoing compliance to public health advice, including vaccination against influenza and Covid-19 for eligible groups, as well as the importance of staying at home for people with respiratory symptoms until after they have resolved."
Meanwhile, RSV hospitalisations went down by 26%. The bacterial infection generally causes mild symptoms but has led to more serious illness amongst children and the elderly, as witnessed when cases of the disease shot up earlier this winter.
The HSE vaccination campaign has been challenged this month as uptake remains low. Figures show that only a third of Irish people have received their second booster since the vaccine rollout was accelerated in late December.
READ MORE
