Patients visiting the ED with respiratory illness at highest level in five years

Current levels of patients with respiratory illness attending the Emergency Department is at its highest in five years.

That's according to data in the government's surveillance report on seasonal illnesses, which is updated on a weekly basis.

The report focuses on influenza, Covid-19 and RSV. 

The number of those visiting the ED has exceeded the previous 2019 peak by 57%.

Figures show the increase has affected the 15-44 age group and those over 65 years old.