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

Sharp increases and Christmas on the way, which could mean more mingling, leading to higher transmission rates.

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

During a cross-party scrutiny committee yesterday, 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."

Urging those eligible to get the flu vaccine, Ms Morgan said: "It's good that 800,000 of our citizens have been vaccinated, which is more than they were last year. I would like the public to bear this in mind so we take the pressure off the NHS by doing what we can to support ourselves, to protect ourselves, to make sure that we get the vaccinations if we're eligible.

"Maybe even buy a vaccination as a Christmas present for your loved ones if they're not eligible."

A spokesperson for Aneurin Bevan University Health Board said: "We are seeing an increasing prevalence of winter illnesses and respiratory viruses in our communities and within our hospitals. We have taken precautionary steps to protect our patients, staff, and wider communities by asking all hospital staff and visitors to wear masks in clinical areas until further notice.

"We are also restricting visiting in areas of our hospitals where outbreaks are present. We will be reviewing the situation over the coming weeks and, if necessary, will adjust our restrictions accordingly."