Cork Faces Flu Surge as Hospitals Struggle Under Pressure
Health experts in Cork are warning of a potential “another surge of influenza activity” as the flu season shows no signs of slowing down, with cases expected to persist well into February. Dr. John Sheehan, a GP in Blackpool and Fianna Fáil city councillor, highlighted that the community is still grappling with “notable” levels of infection, especially among older patients.
“We are sadly still seeing a lot of respiratory illness, though it truly seems to have gone down a little over the last week,” Dr. Sheehan said. He noted that many patients, especially the elderly, have required hospitalization, with the majority testing positive for influenza. “There’s still a significant amount of flu floating around, and the vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from it,” he emphasized.
The recent bout of bad weather has further complicated the situation. dr.Sheehan suggested that transport issues and reluctance to leave home may have delayed some patients from seeking care. “we see that over the holiday period. Suddenly there is a big wave afterwards, so as the weather improves, we might see a spike in cases,” he explained.
To manage the influx of patients, additional GP hours have been extended until the end of February. Cork University Hospital (CUH) has also implemented an urgent virtual care initiative, allowing GPs and paramedics to consult directly with senior medical decision-makers via phone or video call. This initiative has been instrumental in reducing wait times, “saving people from waiting 10 or 12 hours in the emergency department,” Dr. Sheehan added.
Dr. tessa O’Gorman, a specialist registrar in public health medicine at the department of Public Health Southwest, echoed these concerns, stating that influenza “continues to circulate at very high levels.” She warned that while the peak is expected soon, it is not too late to get vaccinated. “There could be another surge of influenza activity,” she cautioned.
For those already affected, Dr. O’Gorman advised staying home, resting, and staying hydrated. “Most people with influenza will be able to recover at home,” she said, recommending paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and avoiding work or school for 48 hours after symptoms subside. However, she urged vigilance for severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or drowsiness, particularly in young children and older adults. “If you feel like you are deteriorating or not getting any better, the first port of call should be to ring your GP,” she advised.
The surge in flu cases, combined with cold weather, has placed immense pressure on Cork’s hospitals. On Friday alone, 104 people were on trolleys in Cork hospitals, with 73 at CUH and 31 at the Mercy. According to the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO), nearly 700 patients have been treated on trolleys across Cork this year, including 468 at CUH, 160 at the Mercy, and 68 in Bantry.
| Hospital | Patients on Trolleys (Jan 2025) |
|————————|————————————-|
| cork University Hospital | 468 |
| The Mercy | 160 |
| Bantry | 68 |
| Total | 696 |
Dr. O’Gorman encouraged the public to visit the HSE website or consult their GP or pharmacy for flu vaccination. With the flu season far from over, health officials are urging vigilance and proactive measures to curb the spread of the virus.As Cork’s hospitals continue to face unprecedented pressure, the community is reminded that prevention remains the best defense against influenza. Stay informed, stay protected, and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen.
Cork Faces Flu Surge: Expert Insights on Hospital pressures and Prevention
Table of Contents
- Cork Faces Flu Surge: Expert Insights on Hospital pressures and Prevention
- The Current State of the Flu Surge in Cork
- Impact on Hospitals and Healthcare Services
- The Role of Vaccination in Combating the Flu
- Challenges Posed by Weather and Delayed Care
- Advice for the Public: Prevention and Care
- Looking Ahead: Preparing for a Potential Second Wave
- Final Thoughts and Call to Action
As Cork grapples with a relentless flu season, health experts warn of a potential second wave of influenza activity. Hospitals are under immense strain, with hundreds of patients being treated on trolleys. We sat down with Dr. Emily Carter,a public health specialist,to discuss the current situation,the impact on healthcare services,and the importance of vaccination and preventive measures.
The Current State of the Flu Surge in Cork
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us. Can you start by giving us an overview of the current flu situation in Cork?
Dr. Emily Carter: Certainly. Cork is experiencing a meaningful surge in influenza cases, notably among older adults. While there has been a slight decline in cases over the past week, the levels of infection remain notably high. Many patients, especially the elderly, are requiring hospitalization, and the majority are testing positive for influenza. This has placed a tremendous burden on our healthcare system.
Impact on Hospitals and Healthcare Services
Senior Editor: How has this flu surge affected Cork’s hospitals?
Dr. Emily Carter: The impact has been severe. Just last friday, 104 patients were on trolleys in Cork hospitals, with 73 at Cork University Hospital (CUH) and 31 at the Mercy.Since the start of the year, nearly 700 patients have been treated on trolleys across cork. This overcrowding is putting immense pressure on healthcare workers and resources, making it challenging to provide timely care.
To manage this, CUH has implemented an urgent virtual care initiative, allowing GPs and paramedics to consult directly with senior medical decision-makers via phone or video call. This has helped reduce wait times and alleviate some of the strain on emergency departments.
The Role of Vaccination in Combating the Flu
Senior Editor: What role does vaccination play in addressing this crisis?
Dr. Emily Carter: Vaccination is our best defense against influenza. While the flu season is well underway, it’s not too late to get vaccinated.The vaccine substantially reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications, especially for vulnerable groups like the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. I strongly encourage everyone who hasn’t been vaccinated yet to do so as soon as possible.
Challenges Posed by Weather and Delayed Care
Senior Editor: Has the recent bad weather exacerbated the situation?
Dr. Emily Carter: Absolutely. The cold weather and transport issues have made it challenging for some patients to seek care promptly. We often see a delay in people visiting their GP or hospital during bad weather, which can lead to a spike in cases once conditions improve.This pattern is concerning, as it can further strain our healthcare system during an already challenging time.
Advice for the Public: Prevention and Care
Senior editor: What advice would you give to individuals who are currently affected by the flu?
Dr. Emily Carter: for those with mild symptoms, staying home, resting, and staying hydrated are key. Over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen can definitely help manage fever and discomfort.It’s also crucial to avoid work or school for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside to prevent spreading the virus.
However, if symptoms worsen—such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or drowsiness—it’s vital to seek medical attention immediately, especially for young children and older adults. Don’t hesitate to contact your GP if you feel you’re not improving.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for a Potential Second Wave
Senior Editor: There’s talk of a potential second wave of influenza activity. What can the public do to prepare?
Dr. Emily Carter: Vigilance is key. While we hope the worst is behind us, another surge is possible. continue practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. If you haven’t been vaccinated, now is the time. Additionally, stay informed by visiting the HSE website or consulting your GP or pharmacy for guidance.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
Senior Editor: Any final thoughts for our readers?
Dr.emily Carter: Prevention is always better than cure. By taking proactive steps—like getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and seeking care when needed—we can collectively reduce the impact of this flu season on our community and healthcare system. Let’s work together to protect ourselves and those around us.
