Protect Your Family from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Flu and Winter Viruses

IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Chair, Teresa Roche urges people to help limit the spread of Covid 19, Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The HSE has said there has been a substantial increase in the number of respiratory illnesses and hospitalisations in the first week of the year, which is leading to increased pressure on hospitals.

So far this winter season, there have been 8,652 cases of Covid-19, a total of 6,747 cases of RSV and 4,931 cases of influenza.

The HSE is advising anyone who have symptoms of Covid-19 or flu and who feel unwell to stay at home until 48 hours after your symptoms are mostly or fully gone and to avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid.

According to the HSE National Programme for Emergency Medicine Dr Gerry McCarthy, the HSE are expecting infectious disease to peak in the next week or two.

McCarthy said that anyone attending a hospital at the moment with symptoms of respiratory illness should wear a mask.

Farm Family Chair Teresa Roche encourages people to follow HSE guidelines for Covid-19 and to seek medical advice if required.