There are 742 people hospitalised with flu on Friday on as pressure increases on acute hospitals in the post-Christmas period, according to the HSE.
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.
HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster said: “The healthcare system and in particular our acute hospitals have been working well over the Christmas period, with senior clinical staff on site ensuring patients are discharged when possible, and ensuring efficient patient flow through Emergency Departments.
"We expect pressure to continue over the coming days and we would urge the public to use alternative healthcare services for treatment such as GP, GP Out of Hours, injury units and pharmacies when appropriate.
"But if patients are very sick and in an emergency situation, they should of course come to their nearest Emergency Department.”
They said emergency departments are always available to treat seriously ill patients and the sickest patients are seen first. People with less severe injuries and symptoms may have to wait to be seen.
They are urging people to be aware of any hospital visiting restrictions due to circulating infections, and for infection prevention and control purposes, which can be found on the HSE website.
Additional Daytime GP expanded clinics are available from some practices and patients should check if their GP is participating in this arrangement.
They are urging people to get vaccinated for the flu and Covid-19 vaccination for target groups remains available - to see what vaccines are recommended for you: visit hse.ie, call HSELive on 1800 700 700 or talk to a participating GP or pharmacist.
The HSE to visit your local pharmacy for treating the common cold or contact your family doctor as necessary.
The GP out-of-hours service is a high quality clinical service for urgent care and they are urging people to know the Christmas opening arrangements.
