HSE Reports Flu Numbers Have Plateaued Post-Christmas

The level of influenza cases “seem to have reached a plateau” since the Christmas period, the HSE has said. In a statement on Monday, the health service said there were 1,910 cases of influenza last week, a small increase on the 1,803 cases a fortnight ago. These are both down significantly from the pre-Christmas peak of 3,544 cases. The HSE said there are 448 people hospitalised with respiratory illnesses, which includes 42 people with Covid-19, 127 with respiratory syncytial virus and 279 people with flu. According to the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC), there were 429 people hospitalised with flu in the first week of January. The number of people hospitalised with flu reached its peak in the 3rd last week of 2025, with 818 cases. [ Flu jab uptake among HSE healthcare workers ‘dismal’ with only 29% vaccinatedOpens in new window ] Despite the decline in numbers being hospitalised, the HSE has urged people to remain vigilant, as it says case numbers remain high and hospitals across Ireland are busy. Chief clinical officer of the HSE Dr Colm Henry welcomed that flu cases had started to plateau. “However, we know from experience that hospitals experience exceptionally high demand throughout the winter, particularly in January,” he said. There has been increased investment to enable extra GP hours and out-of-service appointments. All of the HSE primary care centres are open, he said, adding that people will still experience waiting times for care. He urged people to continue to follow public health advice by staying at home when sick where possible, being up-to-date with vaccines and considering healthcare services other than hospitals for treatment.