HSE reports 448 people currently hospitalised with respiratory illness

The HSE has advised that flu levels seem to have reached a plateau, but is urging people to remain vigilant as case numbers remain high. Hospitals around the country remain busy, with 448 people currently hospitalised with respiratory illness, which includes flu, COVID-19 and RSV (as of 17 January 2026).   2,847 new respiratory illness cases have been notified over the past week.

There are clear signs that flu cases are levelling off with 1,910 flu cases reported last week and 1,803 the week before, down from the pre-Christmas peak of 3,544.  However, people are urged to continue to observe all public health advice and consider all healthcare options available.

Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE Dr Colm Henry said: “We welcome the signs that flu cases have started to plateau.  However, we know from experience that hospitals experience exceptionally high demand throughout the winter, particularly in January. Outside of winter related illness, people will continue to have other healthcare needs that they may have deferred addressing throughout the holiday period.

“We have invested in extra GP hours both in surgery and out-of-hours services.  All of our primary care centres are open and many extra sources of advice and support are available from community-based nursing and allied health professionals. However, even with a full range of services available, it is expected people will experience waiting times for care. We would urge people to continue to follow the public health advice, staying at home when sick where possible, ensuring you are up to date with vaccination, and considering alternative healthcare services for treatment, such as GP, GP Out of Hours, injury units and pharmacies where appropriate.

“But please be assured if patients are very sick and in an emergency situation, they should attend their nearest Emergency Department, which are always available. The sickest patients are seen first, people with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen.”

Information on urgent and emergency care options