'A jab for Christmas' as First Minister warns of 'massive increase' in Wales flu cases

A “MASSIVE increase” in flu cases will hit Wales in the next few weeks, the First Minister has warned.

- By ABBIE WIGHTWICK

Under-pressure health services have seen 163 hospital admissions for flu in the past week as well as 254 inpatient flu cases, 12 of whom were in critical care, data from Public Health Wales (PHW) show.

Two health boards have asked hospital staff and visitors to wear masks until further notice to help curb infections, with one saying it will make masks compulsory if flu cases rise further.

Cases and admissions have increased in recent weeks, with some incidents in schools, nurseries and care homes.

The A(H3N2) flu strain is circulating, which has not been seen for several years in Wales, said PHW.

This strain affects older people more severely, which can increase pressure on hospital admissions.

The flu season has started about a month earlier than usual, with recent sharp increases and Christmas on the way, which could mean more mingling, leading to higher transmission rates.

The flu season normally lasts 12-14 weeks and has not yet peaked.

During a cross-party scrutiny committee, First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “We're going to see a massive increase in the number of people having flu in the next few weeks. Those are the kind of things I’m focused on at the moment.”