Infections can cause serious harm to vulnerable people
The public are being warned to be on the lookout for signs of RSV.
Although symptoms are similar to the common cold, infection can lead to serious harm in vulnerable people.
Avoiding RSV
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre recommends avoiding sharing items like glasses and utensils to prevent contracting the virus over the holiday period.
Dr Greg Martin, Director of the organisation says people are more conscious of their health since the pandemic:
"There's more than one virus floating around.
"With COVID-19, people have gotten very used to what needs to be done to protect themselves and others.
"This winter, we've also got RSV and it's one of the viruses that can often present itself as the common cold.
"It may just be the sniffles, but it can cause serious illness in young people and amongst the elderly."
Hospitalisations
An uptick in hospitalisations is adding pressure to an already under pressure health service.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation says 2022 is officially the worst year for hospital overcrowding on record.
