Visitor restrictions are in place at University Hospital Kerry as flu cases continue to surge.
It comes as the HSE warns that rising influenza hospitalisations are putting significant pressure on already busy Emergency Departments.
Only one visitor per patient will be allowed during visiting times and visitors will be asked to wear surgical masks.
HSE South says all acute hospitals in Cork and Kerry are now restricting visits as flu spreads rapidly through the region.
Only one visitor per patient is allowed, with masks required and visiting times strictly enforced across University Hospital Kerry, CUH, Bantry and Mallow.
Flu cases have risen sharply nationwide, with more than 500 people hospitalised and numbers expected to climb further.
The HSE is urging eligible people to get the flu vaccine and reminding the public not to visit hospitals if unwell.
HSE South West has advised that only one visitor per patient will be allowed during visiting times.
Visitors will be asked to wear the surgical masks provided, and are reminded to not visit if they feel in any way unwell.
Visiting times at the hospital will be strictly enforced, and the measures will be lifted as soon as possible when clinical circumstances allow.
Cork University Hospital is also reporting very high ED attendances, and people are being asked to consider GPs, SouthDoc, pharmacies and injury units before presenting at the emergency department.
