While they expected and planned for a surge in hospitalisations at this time, the numbers so far are at the upper end of what they had predicted, a spokesperson said.

A total of 577 admitted patients are waiting for hospital beds this morning, according to today’s Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) Trolley Watch

The symptoms of flu include a high temperature, aches and pains, cough, nasal congestion for which the advised treatment is paracetamol, fluids and rest.

A total of 426 admitted patients are waiting for beds in Irish hospitals this morning, according to today’s Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO Trolley Watch

This includes 349 patients waiting in emergency departments, while 145 are in wards elsewhere in hospitals

The HSE said hospitals are already "extremely busy", and it wants people to stay away unless absolutely necessary

The Health Information and Quality Authority is appearing before the Oireachtas Health Committee on Wednesday to discuss its 2022 annual report