Revealed: Counties worst hit by flu over festive period as hospitals grapple with spike in winter viruses

"There were 286 patients on trolleys in emergency departments yesterday"

"Christmas and New Year's celebrations were put on hold for thousands of people laid low by flu over the festive season, as the counties worst hit by the virus have been revealed."

"Reported rates of flu per 100,000 were highest last week in Sligo as the country rang in the new year."

There were 286 patients on trolleys in emergency departments yesterday. Thousands of people put Christmas and New Year's celebrations on hold after being laid low by flu over the festive season. Several counties experienced elevated influenza activity during the holidays. Reported rates of flu per 100,000 were highest last week in Sligo as the country rang in the new year. Many individuals required medical attention or remained at home sick, disrupting travel and social plans. The concurrence of high influenza rates and large numbers of trolley patients reflected significant strain on services and community wellbeing during the festive period.

Read at Independent