Number of flu cases reported to GPs drops

THE worst of the winter flu outbreak in Wales appears to be over as cases reported to GPs have started to fall.

According to Public Health Wales, the number of people diagnosed with influenza-like illnesses in general practices for the week ending January 28 were 53 per 100,000 practice population.

That was a drop from 74.7 per 100,000 population in the week ending January 21 and 62.1 for the week ending January 14.

But doctors have warned flu is still circulating at “high” levels and people in “atrisk” groups should still aim to vaccinate themselves. Limited stocks of vaccine are still available.

Dr Richard Roberts, head of the vaccine preventable disease programme at Public Health Wales, said: “Although cases of flu in the community appear to be falling there are still high levels of flu circulating which will continue to cause illness for many weeks.”

Flu spreads easily and can be serious, especially for those in risk groups such as pregnant women, those aged 65 or over or with a long-term health condition.

More people in Wales have had a flu vaccine this year than ever before with more than 750,000 people in target groups vaccinated so far.

Public Health Wales says the vaccine is still available and those who are eligible for it should contact their GP surgery or community pharmacy.

Dr Roberts added: “Most healthy people with flu can care for themselves at home.

“They should drink plenty of fluids, take paracetamol or ibuprofen, keep warm and rest. Symptoms usually resolve in about a week.

“While you are unwell avoid visiting hospitals or care homes to help reduce the chances of spreading flu in these settings.”

He added: “Most people do not need to contact their GP surgery if they think they might have flu but people who are more vulnerable to complications should get early advice.

“Those who are aged 65 or over, have a long-term health condition, are pregnant or are worried about a young child should seek advice from their GP surgery, as should those whose symptoms are deteriorating or are not improving after a week.”

People should only attend A&E or call an ambulance if they need urgent care, for example feeling short of breath, chest pain or coughing up blood, or have other serious symptoms, or deteriorate quickly.

Advice on self-care is available on www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk or from community pharmacists or NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47.

In the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board area, people can call 111 for advice.