A substantial increase in respiratory illnesses has been reported by the HSE, with an increase in subsequent hospitalisations also recorded.

The provisional data for the first week of 2024 included notified cases and outbreaks of Covid-19, influenza and RSV, and showed that of 1,628 cases of flu, 414 were hospitalised. This is the highest number of influenza cases and hospitalisations so far this winter season, according to the HSE, and nearly double what was recorded the week preceding Christmas

During week one, the health service also recorded 1,200 cases of Covid-19, of whom 459 were hospitalised - the highest number of Covid cases seen since the last Covid wave in August 2023.

After several weeks of a decreasing trend, RSV increased slightly in week one compared to the previous week, with more than 465 cases, of whom 147 were hospitalised. RSV activity peaked in early December and declined throughout that month. This slight increase is usual in early January following socialisation over the Christmas period and the return to school/child care. The increase in RSV in early January each season is generally at a lower level than the initial peak of activity.

The data also projected a continued increase and peak in hospitalisations arising from respiratory illnesses in the coming weeks.