There are concerns raised over a sharp surge in flu cases and the knock-on pressure being felt across hospitals in the days before Christmas.

Monaghan-based GP Dr Ilona Duffy told The Anton Savage Show that while not every hospital has yet imposed restrictions, “it’s likely that we will,” with many facilities already moving to a one-visitor-per-patient-per-day rule, she said.

“If you’ve been admitted to hospital, you’re obviously fairly sick,” Dr Duffy said.

 “To get another infection on top of that, especially influenza, really could compromise the patient’s care.”

She added that protecting hospital staff is also critical, saying, “we have to safeguard all of the staff who are working in the hospital caring for patients.”

Acknowledging the difficulties of having these restrictions in place at Christmas, Sean Defoe noted that being in hospital at this time of year is “very tough mentally.”

Dr Duffy agreed, saying, “you’re feeling unwell, you’re feeling isolated, you’re feeling lonely.”

However, she said allowing one visitor is an important balance.

“At least you will have one person able to come visit you, see you, bring you things that you might need,” she said, adding that this is preferable to a full visitor ban, which has happened during previous COVID and gastroenteritis outbreaks.

Dr Duffy also confirmed that children are likely to be banned from hospital visits, including maternity units.

“Among the younger age group, we see more spread of the viruses, and that includes flu,” she said.

A busy hospital ward with nurses and a trolley, 21-4-16. Image: Mark Thomas / Alamy

Dr Duffy warned the flu wave is far from over.

"The flu season has started about three to four weeks earlier than normal,” she said, with Christmas expected to coincide with the peak.

She looked to Australia’s recent experience, noting, “they had the worst influenza season on record.”

The outlook for Irish hospitals is concerning.

“It’s predicted there could be over a thousand hospital admissions because of influenza,” she warned.

“That’s a massive number when you consider winter is already a very busy time.”