The swine flu has officially returned to Ireland.
There has been a significant increase in the diagnosis of the H1N1 strain reported in recent days, according to the HSE.
The increase is reportedly due to people returning to work following the Christmas break.
Health Minister Simon Harris is urging people to stay away from hospitals if at all possible.
"It is not too late to get vaccinated and the good news is that the vaccination is very effective in relation to this strain of flu," said Mr Harris.
"We are entering a challenging period, as we knew we always would. The figures remain better then they were last year and we continue to do all that we possibly can to help the health service and I would again repeat my call to citizens to help support front-line staff by keeping our emergency departments for emergencies."
