The HSE is warning of a surge in hospital admissions as a result of the flu.
It says cases are rapidly rising, with 418 people presenting to hospital with the flu last week.
The extra number of people seeking is expected to place more pressure on the regions hospitals.
Earlier today there were 73 reported to be waiting on trollies in the two main hospitals in the North West.
According to the INMO there were 42 people waiting in Sligo and 31 in Letterkenny.
National Health Protection Office Director with the HSE Dr Eamonn O' Moore says a new strain of the virus is to blame;
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