448 Hospitalised With Respiratory Illness as Flu Plateaus

The HSE reports that hospitals around the country remain busy, with 448 people currently hospitalised with respiratory illness, including flu, COVID-19 and RSV (as of 17 January 2026). 

In a press release published on 19 January 2026, the HSE said flu levels appear to have reached a plateau, but it is urging the public to remain vigilant as case numbers remain high. According to the HSE, about 2,847 new respiratory illness cases have been notified over the past week.

It said there are “clear signs” flu cases are levelling off, with 1,910 flu cases reported last week, compared with 1,803 the week before, and down from a pre-Christmas peak of 3,544. However, the HSE have urged people adhere to public health advice and seek healthcare options available.

HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry said the service welcomes the signs of flu plateauing but noted that January typically brings exceptionally high demand across hospitals, alongside other healthcare needs that people may have deferred during the holiday period.

Dr Henry said the HSE has invested in extra GP hours in both surgery and out-of-hours services, and that primary care centres are open, with additional advice and support available from community-based nursing and allied health professionals. He also warned that, even with services in place, people should expect waiting times for care.

The HSE urged people to follow public health advice, including staying at home when sick where possible, making sure vaccinations are up to date, and seeking other  healthcare services such as GP, GP Out of Hours, injury units and pharmacies where appropriate.