Influenza outbreak blamed for overcrowding at A&E units
A doubling in the number of influenza cases throughout the country has reportedly been blamed for the pressure on accident and emergency departments in recent days.
Reports this morning said the Health Service Executive had identified a doubling in reported influenza cases as one of the factors causing overcrowding in A&E units.
The Irish Nurses Organisation said 254 patients were waiting on trolleys in A&E units yesterday due to a shortage of hospital beds. This is down from 422 on Wednesday.
The HSE has reportedly called on high-risk people who have not already received the ‘flu vaccine to be immunised immediately in light of the increased infection rate.
Those most at risk of contracting influenza include the elderly, people with immune system disorders and people who suffer from chronic cardiac and respiratory conditions.
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