A Clare GP says doctors are already dealing with a sizeable surge in flu presentations ahead of seasonal peak expected in the coming weeks.

It comes as the Irish Medical Organisation has issued a warning for vulnerable patients to get a flu vaccine as soon as possible due to hospital bed capacity shortages.

This morning alone, the Irish Nurses and MidWives Organisation recorded 108 people on trolleys at University Hospital Limerick.

Lahinch GP and Member of the IMO's GP Committee Michael Kelleher has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that keeping good hand hygeine is vital this season.