Hundreds in hospital with winter viruses as Ireland endures bitterly cold weatherHealth Minister urges people to get their flu and Covid-19 vaccinesHealth Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill thanked healthcare staff for their work over Christmas. Photo: GettyEilish O'Regan Today at 06:30Hundreds of patients are having to spend the first week of the new year in hospital suffering from winter viruses, including flu and Covid-19, as freezing weather grips the country.

Source: Irish Independent January 06, 2026 05:47 UTC