A Monaghan GP has been sharing advice for local people as flu rates are continuing to rise.
Dr. Illona Duffy outlined how out-of-hours services have been seeing a surge in patients recently.
Her comments come as more than three thousand cases of the flu were reported last week, which is an increase of over 300 when compared to the previous week.
It's expected the flu will peak on Christmas week.
Dr. Duffy explained that minor illnesses, like colds or stomach bugs, can often be managed at home, and advised people to find tips on undertheweather.ie.
She urged people to remember that out-of-hours services should be reserved for urgent, new-onset problems, not routine prescriptions or convenience visits.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show this morning, she urged people to stock up on essential medications and only visit A&E for serious symptoms, like breathing difficulties or high fever that isn't improving.
