Flu and COVID-19 cases prompt warning about social settings

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galway daily news Flu and COVID-19 cases prompt warning about social settings

People in Galway are being urged to avoid social settings if they have symptoms amid a surge in respiratory viruses in recent days.

With COVID-19 and flu widely circulating in the community, the HSE is asking people to avoid workplaces, schools, childcare, or residential care facilities if they have any symptoms.

There were 390 COVID-19 cases and 348 flu cases notified in the west and northwest of Ireland in the final week of the year 2022.

These cases were spread across Public Health Area F, which encompasses Galway, Roscommon, Mayo, Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim.

The HSE said that wide circulation of these viruses in the community means that outbreaks are more likely in places such as hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Dr Áine McNamara with the HSE said “As expected, Healthcare settings are extremely busy due to the unprecedented combination of very high levels of flu, Covid-19 and other respiratory illnesses in the community.”

“To protect yourself and others avail of COVID-19 and flu vaccines if you’re eligible, and stay at home if unwell.”

“It is very important to avoid visiting healthcare and long-term residential settings if unwell,” Dr McNamara added.

In order to protect themselves and others, the HSE is encouraging people to keep up-to-date with their vaccines, as the flu is expected to keep circulating for another 6-8 weeks.

The flu vaccine is available from your GP or pharmacies. There is also a free nasal spray flu vaccine for children aged 2-17 available until January 23.