The early and intensifying wave of influenza sweeping across Ireland presents a challenge to the resilience of the health system. Such an early onslaught emphasises long-standing structural vulnerabilities in the Irish health service. This early surge exacerbates the challenge. Among adults over 60, uptake sits at 56 per cent versus a 75 per cent target. This early flu surge exposes the fault lines in a health service operating at the limits of capacity.

Source: The Irish Times December 13, 2025 13:08 UTC