It’s peak ‘flu season.

With more than seventy patients waiting on trolleys and the current influenza outbreak expected to continue until February, staff at Cork University Hospital have put strict rules in place to protect patients.

Reminding the public of the decision on Twitter this morning, CUH said “Visiting restrictions are in place in Cork University Hospital to help prevent the spread of flu. Patient safety is paramount.”

In an effort to prevent the spread of the deadly illness, which has claimed 22 lives across the country this winter, mostly elderly victims, and hospitalised 1400 people, CUH is asking friends and family of patients to help them slow the spread of the virus.

All visitors are asked to contact the hospital prior to attending.

Visiting Restrictions are in place in Cork University Hospital to help prevent the spread of flu. Patient safety is paramount. #flu @katy2me @brendanoreillyp @mikecuh @SineadHorgan1 @drconordeasy

— Cork University Hosp (@CUH_Cork) January 3, 2020

If you’d like to make sure you avoid the aches, pains, coughs and sniffles entirely, the Seasonal Flu vaccine is available until the end of April 2020.

This year it protects against the four strains of flu virus recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the strains most likely to be circulating this season. Anyone aged 10 years and over can get the vaccine from their GP or pharmacist.