Spread Of Five Viruses Putting Hospitals In Wales Under Strain

HIGHER RATE OF PATIENTS WITH FLU STRAINS, COVID AND RSV - AND PEAK IS 'YET TO COME', WARN HEALTH BOSSES

- LYDIA ROYCE and STEVE BAGNALL

HOSPITALS in Wales are facing significant strain as five distinct viruses spread, causing heightened pressure and subsequent issues within the ambulance service, which reported a critical incident yesterday.

Current findings by Public Health Wales identify three flu variants in circulation: A(H1N1), often referred to as swine flu, A(H3N2) - previously known as Australian flu, and a third type, Influenza B, present in lower numbers.

Alongside these, there are notable instances of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Covid-19 hospital admissions. The current flu season has shown increased intensity in Wales, with public health officials cautioning that the peak is yet to come.