People urged to play their part as north west sees 240 Covid cases in a week

In a seven-day period over the New Year, Public Health North West was notified of 240 Covid-19 cases in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim. 

This is almost double the level in the week before Christmas Day. 

For flu, 201 cases were notified in the same period, in comparison to 105 cases before Christmas.

And Public Health North West is investigating more than 20 Covid-19 outbreaks and five flu outbreaks in long-term care facilities with cases among residents and staff.

The health service is under enormous pressure, and the Department of Public Health North West is appealing to people in Donegal to play their part.

As well as reminding people to get their Covid-19 and flu vaccines, the organisation is asking people to stay at home if they are showing signs of cold and flu. 

Dr Anthony Breslin, Specialist in Public Health Medicine, Public Health North West, said: “We are likely to have higher numbers of people with flu and Covid-19 for the next few weeks throughout January, which will continue to have an impact on our health service.

“However, we can reduce this burden by staying at home if we are unwell, availing of Covid-19 and flu vaccines, and avoiding visiting vulnerable or elderly relatives if unwell.

“It is vital that the most vulnerable in society and those we care for are protected from these potentially life threatening illnesses. Vaccination protects you, your family and your patients.

 “You need a new flu vaccine every year as the virus changes slightly each year.”

Only 59.7% of those eligible for the children’s flu vaccine and those over 65 years of age have been vaccinated to date. 

Dr Breslin said: “The vaccine does not give you the flu. If you do get flu and have been vaccinated the illness will be milder.

“To be protected, we ask that everyone keeps up-to-date with their free Covid-19 booster vaccines. Of note, those aged 18 to 49 can now get a second booster dose. You can book an appointment for this online.

“You can get a flu vaccine from your GP or pharmacy. There is also a free nasal spray flu vaccine available for children aged 2 to 17 years.”

Meanwhile, Letterkenny and Sligo University Hospitals are under enormous pressure. 

Dermot Monaghan Chief Officer, Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo said: “Community Health Services are supporting the current situation in Letterkenny and Sligo University Hospitals through a number of initiatives including daily meetings between acute hospitals and community services to facilitate admission avoidance and early discharge, increasing the number of step down beds available in community hospitals where possible and liaising with Private Nursing Homes to establish bed availability.  

“Our community services and staff are actively increasing services to support the response plans of LUH and SUH as and where appropriate e.g. Community Intervention Team (CIT), Frail Intervention Therapy Team (FITT), GP and GP out of hours Service.

“The HSE appreciates the work of Pharmacies and GPs and for their continuing support.  The GPs continue to run additional clinics during this time of high pressure.”

In the last week of December, 286 cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were notified nationally, with 115 hospitalised cases.

In the week to December 31, there were 2262 flu cases reported nationally, and 595 people were hospitalised. Based on the current trajectory it is likely that there will be significant week on week increases in notified flu cases for at least the next three to four weeks. 

As of January 5, there were 657 patients with Covid-19 in hospitals around the country.