Listen Back: Cavan's flu rates continue above national average. Health services in Cavan and Monaghan have seen a rapid increase in cases of patients with flu and respiratory illness.
Reported rates of flu per 100,000 were highest last week in Sligo; this was followed by counties such as Co Cavan.
Professor James Hayes is a Consultant Respiratory Physician has practiced in the Cavan/Monaghan area over the last 30 years.
Furthermore, Professor Hayes says the impact of flu circulating in the community has a direct impact on the capacity of health services; both in hospitals and in primary and community care settings.
While there hasn't been the expected same surge in flu following the festive period, the local health professional warn that there is still time for a further increase in flu.
Jodie Curran has been speaking in detail with Professor Hayes who says that flu always remains a matter of concern going into the months of both January and February.
She began by asking him about his role and Cavan's flu rates:
