Number of Covid-19 patients in hospital rises to 513, the highest since early March, as warning issued over flu

The number of Covid-19 patients in hospital rose to 513 today- the highest since early March – as European disease experts warned a strain of flu is circulating which can particularly impact older people.

Hospitals across the country saw another 16 admissions of Covid-19 admissions since yesterday bringing numbers to 513, a level not seen since March 1.

There are 97 of these patients being treated in intensive care, a fall of two since yesterday.

It comes as the European disease watchdog the main strain of flu found in Europe in the last month is A(H3N2), which disproportionally affects older people, and is associated with lower vaccine effectiveness.

Although cases of flu are still low in Europe “this is a sign that the upcoming influenza season could be severe for elderly people, and that influenza patterns may vary between countries in terms of timing,” warned the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).

Flu has already arrived in Ireland although it is circulating at very low levels.

“The early detections of the A (H3N2) subtype are an indication that the upcoming flu season could be severe, although we cannot know for sure what the upcoming flu season will look like,” said Pasi Penttinen, head of ECDC’s influenza programme.

“A steep rise in flu infections during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic could have serious consequences for the elderly and those with weak immune systems and could place an additional burden on health systems already strained by Covid-19.

"It is therefore important that we take the necessary precautions and protect those that are most at risk.”

During the 2020-2021 season, there was a remarkable decrease (more than 99pc) in the number of influenza infections detected in the EU/EEA, with numbers detected being similar to those reported during inter-seasonal periods.

This indicates non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as avoiding unnecessary crowding and the maintenance of hygiene measures are effective in not only curbing the spread of Covid-19, but also influenza.

“From our experience with the Covid-19 pandemic, we have further evidence that non-pharmaceutical interventions such as physical distancing and hygiene measures can effectively curb the spread of influenza.

"This is especially important to consider in environments such as nursing homes and healthcare settings.

“Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and flu also provides good protection against severe disease. Those working in a healthcare setting or a nursing home should ensure that they are vaccinated against both SARS-CoV-2 and flu before the winter months.”

Approximately 20pc of the population become infected with influenza each year and one in four infected people will develop symptoms.

The elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, problems with the lungs and airways, diabetes or immune system problems are most at risk of experiencing severe complications by influenza.

Antiviral medicines, taken as rapidly as possible after the onset of symptoms, are safe and effective measures for the treatment of flu and are generally recommended for severe or rapidly progressing cases.

Their prophylactic properties are also useful as a preventive measure during events such as nursing home outbreaks.