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2nd January 2024
12:39pm GMT
Parents have been advised to get their children vaccinated against Covid-19 as cases continue to rise in Ireland.
Hospitals are buckling under pressure as winter viruses spread throughout the country.
The HSE has advised parents of young children, aged between 6 months and 11 years, to ensure their vaccines are up to date.
The HSE's Sinead McConnell, General Manager of the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, said: "The HSE is urging parents and guardians of children aged six months to 11 years to avail of the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of the winter season.
"It’s expected that Flu and RSV will shortly be circulating and vaccination against COVID-19 is the best protection against the virus," she added.
The main symptoms of Covid-19 in children are a fever, a cough, chills, and tiredness.
Other symptoms include a loss of taste and smell, sore throat, body aches, headache, and nasal congestion.
Children may also suffer from conjunctivitis, skin rashes, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or chills.
The HSE is expecting Covid-19 and influenza cases to rise as the winter continues.
They have warned the public that the situation in Ireland's hospitals could worsen in the coming weeks.
The HSE confirmed that over 800 people attended hospital with flu and Covid-19 in the last week.
Dr. Colm Henry said: "Rates of covid and flu are rising now and over the next few weeks, which will put significant pressure on hospitals and residential care facilities in the short term."
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