Teenagers are “really sick” in ICU as Covid admissions rise, doctor reveals

73 people are currently in ICU with Covid.

Doctors have expressed their concerns about the rise in Covid ICU admissions. It is believed 70% of people being admitted to intensive care are unvaccinated. A consultant has confirmed the latest surge in cases has resulted in teenagers being hospitalised. Speaking to Newstalk, Dr Catherine Motherway of University Hospital Limerick said older teenagers are "really sick" with Covid-19. [caption id="attachment_399437" align="aligncenter" width="1050"] Hospital COVID[/caption] The ICU care consultant revealed: “The age groups that are being seen and have been admitted in the latest surge have ranged from 17 to the age of 88 into our ICUs so we’re seeing people in their late teens really sick in intensive care units around this country." “We’re seeing younger people – we know that half of the patients in the current surge that have come into ICU are under the age of 54 and I consider 54 very young.” Dr. Motherway added, “The situation in University Hospital Limerick is similar to the national picture – we’re seeing a very significant number of our patients are unvaccinated, particularly in the younger age groups." She said they're also seeing breakthrough infections particularly in older people and those with severe underlying conditions. Earlier this week, Dr. Ronan Glynn urged the public to get vaccinated, especially as we enter the winter months. “I strongly encourage anyone who has not yet been vaccinated to take up the opportunity to do so as soon as possible to best protect yourself and those around you from Covid-19." There are 402 people with Covid-19 in hospital. 73 of them are being treated in ICU.