Flu Cases Continue To Rise Ahead Of Expected Peak

PUBLIC Health Wales has warned that flu cases are yet to peak, as hospital admissions continue to rise.

- LUCY JOHN

The worrying news comes as the number of patients being treated for flu in hospitals increased by almost 50%, according to the most recent data from the week of December 9.

People are being advised to take precautions to protect themselves and others by making sure their flu vaccinations are up to date and by avoiding contact with those with cold or flu-like symptoms.

This is especially important for the elderly and people with lung conditions such as asthma and COPD.

Concerningly, hospitals across Wales announced they had faced some of their busiest days of 2024 in recent weeks.

Lask week, Cwm Taf MorgannwgUniversity Health Board, which covers Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taf, called on the public not to attend A&E departments as they were "exceptionally busy".

Meanwhile, Hywel Dda UHB - which manages healthcare across Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion - said the number of flu cases in outpatient wards, particularly in Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest, was adding to the pressure it was under in the run-up to Christmas.