HSE South West is appealing to the public to get vaccinated against respiratory illnesses like flu and covid as soon as possible.
Specialist registrar in public health medicine with the HSE South West, Dr Rebecca Marshall says healthcare facilities are already stretched by a surge in the virus.
She says that they don't want anyone admitted to University Hospital Kerry (UHK) unnecessarily this winter.
Dr Marshall has issued a reminder that many people are eligible for the free flu vaccine.
For more information on where to get the flu vaccine, see the HSE website and or phone HSE Live 1800 700 700.