More than 700 people are hospitalised with flu as the HSE said the surge of cases is at the “upper end” of what it had predicted.
A spokesperson said the HSE had “expected and planned” for the surge in cases. There are currently 742 people hospitalised with flu, increasing the strain on hospitals over the post-Christmas period.
On Monday, the HSE has said there could be 800-900 cases of flu in hospitals in the week at the end of the year with a peak expected in January.
HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster said hospitals and the healthcare system have been “working well”.
He also praised the work of staff for “ensuring efficient patient flow through Emergency Departments”.
“We expect pressure to continue over the coming days and we would urge the public to use alternative healthcare services…