1/8 Influenza is normally getting into full swing around this time of year. It is an infectious disease that is routinely tracked, in a similar fashion to SARS-CoV-2 (albeit with less data sources available). Surveillance reports are published by the HSPC each Thursday.

2/8 During the week ending 1st Dec 2019, 114 confirmed influenza cases were hospitalised (c. 16 per day).

Flu infection increased over Dec 2019, reaching c. 90 admissions to hospital per day in Jan 2020.

3/8 Over 7 days 23 Nov - 29 Nov 2020, 97 cases were admitted to hospital with confirmed #COVID19; no flu cases were recorded.

Remember, the equivalent flu number from 2019 was 114 cases.

Sticking to plan can save thousands of people from a hospital stay this Christmas.

4/8 Of 1,171 specimens tested by the NVRL for flu / RSV this season (2020), no confirmed positive detections were reported. In 2019, there had been 309 influenza positive specimens reported.

5/8 This reduction (elimination?) in flu transmission is saving lives; 200-500 people normally die from flu each year (1000 in a bad year).

It is helping to reduce pressure on our health system; HSE are reporting 232 available general beds plus c. 50 unoccupied ICU beds.

6/8 It is also contributing to reduced pressure on A&E. INMO trolley watch reports 242 patients waiting for beds on 8th Dec 2020, well below the 582 recorded on 9th Dec 2019. HSE trolley numbers show a similar reduced rate (at 188 down from 423 last year).

7/8 The measures we have taken to reduce transmission of SARS-CoV-2 have provided these other benefits. As we now start to move tentatively into looking at a post #COVID19Ireland, which measures are we willing to carry forward next winter, to help reduce incidence of flu etc?

8/8 Sticking to the tips will help reduce both #COVID19 & #flu, saving lives and reducing illness:

Wash your hands frequently
Wear your mask when around other people
Keep your distance and avoid any crowds
Maintain cough & sneeze etiquette
Ventilate regularly