Ireland: Number of flu deaths hits 44

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Source: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/heal...aked-1.4129014


Number of flu deaths hits 22 but outbreak ‘may have peaked’
Hospital attendance among over 75-year-olds has been up almost 20%
about 5 hours ago
Paul Cullen Health Editor

The current flu outbreak may have peaked but is expected to continue at very high levels for another five weeks, according to the Health Service Executive.

The number of flu cases reported in the last week of the year declined slightly on the previous week but remains above the high intensity threshold, according to the latest HSE figures.

Flu levels immediately before Christmas were the highest they have been in recent years, health officials said at a briefing attended by Minister for Health Simon Harris on Thursday.

So far this winter, the outbreak has been responsible for 22 deaths, 17 of them among over-65s. Some 1,373 people have been hospitalised, with 45 admitted to intensive care. The worst affected groups are under 5s and over 65s.

The number of patients attending hospital and being admitted dropped as usual over Christmas compared to the previous week, but were also down on the previous Christmas. However, among over 75-year-olds, attendances were up almost 20 per cent on last year, while admissions increased by over 13 per cent.

The flu outbreak has put great strain on hospitals, despite faster throughput of patients...

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Source: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/heal...over-1.4135171


Flu deaths rise to 28 but worst of outbreak may be over
HSE says this winter’s virus outbreak may be three weeks shorter than usual
about an hour ago
Paul Cullen Health Editor

The number of flu deaths this winter has risen to 28, but the worst of the current outbreak may be over, according to the Health Service Executive.

Partly as a consequence, HSE officials are hopeful hospital overcrowding may also have peaked following this week’s record trolley numbers.

Flu levels fell last week for the first time since the outbreak began at the end of November but are still very high, the HSE said in its weekly briefing on Thursday. And while the flu season began earlier than usual this winter, it may also be finishing earlier, officials say.

In addition, the season may be up to three weeks shorter than usual, unless there is a significant increase in cases of influenza B coming from North America - virtually all cases up to last week involved the A strain of the virus.

The decline in cases is most marked among children, thus easing the pressure on children’s hospitals, but cases involving over-75s increased again last week...

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Source: https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/...on-975933.html

HSE: 44 deaths from flu so far this season
16/01/2020 - 19:24:00
By Evelyn Ring
Irish Examiner Reporter

There have been 44 deaths from flu so far this season, according to the HSE.

Last week 609 people were admitted with flu, bringing the season total to 2,707. Most of those who died were aged 65 years and older.

There were 94 people admitted to intensive care and 60% are aged over 65.

HSE assistant national director of public health and child health, Dr Kevin Kelleher, said it appears that the “worst is over”...