 The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs continues to monitor the cases of respiratory illnesses on Ireland. We continue to manage persons presenting with flu-like symptoms at the emergency departments, wellness centres, and private doctors' offices due to the new COVID-19 variants influenza A and B and respiratory-sensitial virus. Over the last 14 days, a decrease in hospitalisation and deaths due to COVID-19 was also noted. The public is encouraged to reduce the impact of respiratory illnesses by the following measures. Maintain a healthy lifestyle through diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, reduced stress and toxic habits. Ensure compliance by taking prescribed medication if you suffer from any chronic health conditions. Strengthen sanitary measures at home and work and maintain proper hand hygiene with regular hand washing. Wear a face mask when presenting flu-like symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if flu-like symptoms linger or worsen. All persons with chronic health conditions are strongly advised to wear a face mask when in public, in crowded conditions and avoid contact with others who are sick. Personal responsibility is important at this time. Face masks are available at the public health facilities to patients who may need. COVID-19 PCR and rapid tests are available free of charge to the public at the various wellness centres, community hospitals and polyclinic. The Ministry of Health reminds the general public that we are presently in the flu season, which runs from October to March and as such would like to encourage the use of the flu vaccine which is available free of charge at the various wellness centres. The COVID-19 Janssen vaccine is also available and can be taken as a booster, especially for persons with risk factors or chronic conditions. The Ministry of Health will continue to provide regular updates and health education to the public to take the necessary measures to reduce the impact of respiratory illness at this time.