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. Christmas and New Year's celebrations were put on hold for thousands of people laid low by flu over the festive season. Several counties experienced elevated flu activity, with regional variation in reported rates per 100,000. Reported rates of flu per 100,000 were highest last week in Sligo as the country rang in the new year. The high community incidence coincided with increased demand on emergency departments, contributing to trolley congestion and added pressure on hospital capacity during a typically busy holiday period.

Read at Independent