Don't send children back to school if they're sick - Health Minister

Health Minister Simon Harris says he's concerned about back to school next week as children could be spreading flu.

He said: "We're obviously coming up to a situation where schools resume next week; I am worried about the spread of the flu when kids go back to school.

"We're seeing a strain of flu that is affecting children this year, we didn't see last year, so I would advise parents if your child is under the weather please keep them home from school next week.

"It is important if you have the flu in general, try not to spread it. Stay at home, take advice on undertheweather.ie, consult your pharmacist or consult your GP.

"Don't go to to the local A&E unless advised to do so by a medical professional."

Aussie Flu 

The HSE revealed on Sunday that a number of people have already died from the so-called 'Aussie flu' outbreak .

Doctors are warning that children - particularly those aged between five and 14 - could be most at risk.

Last week celebrity fighter Conor McGregor revealed that he and his family have been struck down by the highly contagious Aussie flu.

Overcrowding 

The nationwide hospital overcrowding crisis eased slightly today with fewer than 600 people on trolleys and chairs waiting for a bed.

According to the latest report from nurses, there were 592 patients in queues in A&E departments and in ward corridors.

The Irish Nurses’ and Midwives’ Organisation (INMO) said University Hospital Limerick had the worst record this morning, with 52 patients waiting for a bed.