FLUMAGEDDON - Public urged to take action as busiest hospital season approaches

Flu season is now officially upon us and while soup, fluids and dry toast are mostly there to get us through, staying up to date with vaccine uptakes is more important than ever.

Pharmacist Sheena Mitchell sat down to speak with Pat Kenny on Newstalk this morning to distinguish between common viral respiratory infections, how to protect yourself against them and what the warning signs are that you should see your GP.

One of the most significant points of concern, Sheena explained to Pat was 'flumonia' a hybrid infection where the flu may cause pneumonia leading to a more severe infection which can lead to the need for hospitalisation. 

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Her concerns have also been echoed by Dr Mai Mannix, Area Director of Public Health, HSE Mid West who has said: "We have already seen early signs of respiratory illnesses in the community and in our healthcare services in recent weeks, with the rise of flu and COVID-19.

Last winter, over 4,000 people were hospitalised with flu and over 7,000 people were hospitalised with COVID-19 nationwide."

Dr Mannix also raised serious concerns about the "imminently busy" winter season ahead if not enough healthcare workers, older persons and vulnerable and at-risk people are vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19. 

Dr Mannix said that pressure on hospitals was a huge cause for concern at this time of year and a low vaccine uptake could further compound the seasonal busyness with needing to treat higher numbers of very sick people in wards, residential homes and at home.

Sheena Mitchell also spoke about her concerns surrounding the shortcomings of the RSV pathfinder programme which only offers babies born between September 1 and February 28 immunisation. She says the programme "does not take the pressure off neo natal care" given that it only applies to babies born "in season".

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As it stands, 3,190 children are waiting on in-patient care and when it comes to RSV, Sheena says vaccines and precautions must be taken to avoid clogging up the health service with preventable diseases as well as highlighting the stress and impact this has directly on RSV patients and their families.

Sheena highlighted the need for wider public accessibility for vaccines including chickenpox and whooping cough, she said: "We don't have solutions for every illness but these are the ones we can treat."

The pharmacist advised the public to not rule out the use of hand sanitiser and mask wearing when sick as someone who believes they have a common cold may actually have RSV and should they pass on the virus to someone at work who has children at home, there could be serious risk posed the wellbeing of the children. She also advised keeping symptomatic children home from school. 

In terms of prevention and care, Sheena said that a diet rich in vitamin C may not prevent infection but can help to shorten the lifespan of a cold, she also suggest the use of salt therapy which can draw out mucus from the body.

Sheena said that signs to look out for that someone should go to their GP or even seek hospitalisation include difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent high fever and a worsening cough.

The flu vaccine is currently free to those aged two to seventeen and over 60s. The vaccine is also free and available in pharmacies to those aged between eighteen and fifty nine who are vulnerable to severe cases of infection but generally speaking, anyone in this category can avail of the flue vaccine from their GP.