Prepare ahead – HSE shares advice to keep yourself and others well this Christmas

For many the holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can be also a time where people, particularly older people, can get very sick from circulating viruses.

Dr Emer Ahern, HSE National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead for Older Persons, said, “High levels of respiratory viruses are currently circulating including flu, COVID-19 and RSV. Most recently, we have seen exceptionally high levels of flu, and it is expected to rise significantly over the next few weeks into January 2025.

“As we look forward to spending time with family and friends this Christmas, there are a few simple things we can do to protect ourselves and those who are most vulnerable in our communities. You should stay home when you are unwell, avoid people with symptoms, wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes.”

During this busy time, try to make time to check in with more vulnerable family, friends and neighbours. If someone becomes ill, there are several options available for them, depending on the illness. Being prepared, and helping them be prepared means they will get treated in the right place at the right time.

Christmas Care Advice

• Vaccination is the best protection – Getting vaccinated is the most effective way of preventing infections. Flu is now circulating in the community and will continue to increase over the coming weeks. Flu vaccination is available at participating GPs and pharmacies. See www.hse.ie/flu for more information. You can also get your COVID-19 booster, if eligible, at the same time.
• Home and Pharmacy – For milder symptoms or the common cold, treat at home and visit the local pharmacy for treating the common cold. Ensure to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• GPs – If symptoms don't improve over time, or if they worsen, call the GP who can help with non-urgent illnesses. Make sure you or the person you care for are registered with a GP, check out the GP finder.
• GP Out of Hours – if urgent GP care is needed out of hours, GP out-of-hours service is a high quality clinical service available for urgent care. Know the Christmas opening arrangements of the local service.
• Injury Units – Injury units can treat many of the non-life threatening injuries people go to the emergency department for. For example, broken bones, dislocations, and minor burns. You can get treatment such as x-rays, plaster casts, and wound care.
• Fill prescriptions – People who may need regular prescriptions are urged to get them filled by their own pharmacy in advance of Christmas.
• Stock first aid boxes – People are advised to check their first aid boxes are well stocked to treat minor ailments at home e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen and a thermometer.
• HSE website – People should also check the HSE website for useful advice on common illnesses such as colds, coughs, flu, earache and sore throats and keeping well.
• Advance care planning – If you are caring for someone that is terminally ill, please have medicines that are recommended by your Palliative Care team or GP for situations that could arise.
• Emergency departments are always available to treat seriously ill patients and the sickest patients are seen first. People with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen. 

Visit the HSE website for health information and advice, including tips for eating well, exercise and physical activity, and minding your mental health over the festive period.

If you have a loved one in hospital, please also be aware of any hospital visiting restrictions due to circulating infections over the Christmas period. More information can be found on the HSE website.

For further updates and resources, see HSE social accounts, Instagram @IrishHealthService, X @HSELive and Facebook facebook.com/HSElive  #FluVaccine #COVIDVaccine #InjuryUnits