Australian flu arrives in Wales as pressures mount on hospitals
ASTRAIN of flu which has been linked to hundreds of deaths in Australia has been confirmed in Wales this winter.
Public Health Wales confirmed that the H3N2 strain of the virus has been detected in parts of Wales and has advised people in “at risk” groups to get vaccinated.
People with symptoms are urged to call their GP surgery before visiting and to avoid hospitals.
The latest Welsh Government data reveals the average number of A&E attendances per day in November was 2,752 – 3.3% higher than November 2016 and the highest number of attendances per day in any November since reporting began in 2006.
ASTRAIN of flu which has been linked to hundreds of deaths in Australia has been confirmed in Wales this winter.
A Public Health Wales spokesman has confirmed that the H3N2 strain of the virus has been detected in parts of the country and has urged people in “at risk” groups to get vaccinated.
More than 370 people – most of them elderly and in care – have died from the outbreak in Australia since September, with more than 100,000 needing a visit to A&E.
The vicious strain has also reached England and Ireland, while health experts have warned that it could lead to the worst outbreak the UK has seen in 50 years.
Dr Richard Roberts, head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme in Public Health Wales, said: “Latest figures show that flu cases have increased across Wales in the last few weeks with a mix of different strains currently in circulation.
“The flu vaccine remains available and we would strongly advise that those aged 65 years and over, between six months and 65 years in ‘risk’ groups and pregnant women who have not had their flu vaccine this winter to make sure they don’t miss out and speak to their GP surgery or community pharmacy as soon as possible.
“Those with flu symptoms should practise ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ to prevent spread: use tissue when you cough or sneeze, bin the tissue then wash hands or use sanitising gel.”
With a recent rise in the number of recorded cases, Public Health Wales is reminding people affected by the flu to think carefully before seeking further medical assistance.
Dr Giri Shankar, professional lead consultant for health protection at Public Health Wales, said: “People are reminded that while flu is circulating in Wales and looks set to increase over the coming weeks, the types of flu being seen are as expected and are not more dangerous than those seen in previous years.
“People in at-risk groups with flulike symptoms, such as those over the age of 65, pregnant women or those with a pre-existing medical condition, should phone their GP surgery or NHS Direct Wales (0845 46 47) for advice as soon as the symptoms start as anti-viral medication may be recommended.
“However, they should not attend their surgery without calling first to help reduce the risk of spreading infection to others.”
Hospitals across Wales are urging people with flu-like symptoms to stay away to prevent spreading the virus.
The University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff and Wrexham Maelor Hospital put visiting restrictions in place yesterday in a bid to protect patients and staff.
Last year 671 people in Wales were treated in hospital for flu-related illnesses – and 74 of them were admitted to intensive care.
A spokesman for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: “Hospitals in north Wales have seen a rise in the number of people being admitted with flu and Wrexham Maelor Hospital has put visiting restrictions in place to minimise the risk of it spreading to protect patients and staff.
“We are asking the public to help us prevent flu spreading and only essential visitors will be allowed at Wrexham Maelor Hospital at this time.”
A spokesman for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board confirmed there had been an increase in patients suffering with flu and respiratory conditions.
In the University Hospital of Wales, wards B7 (respiratory medicine), C6 and C7 (geriatric) all had visiting restrictions in place yesterday.
A spokesman for the health board said: “We have seen an increase in patients presenting with flu and other respiratory conditions, together with a number of patients experiencing gastrointestinal problems, including norovirus.
“A small number of hospital beds have been closed to admission as a precaution.”
Every week, Public Health Wales publishes an influenza surveillance report which monitors levels of the virus.
Their latest report for the week before Christmas shows a Waleswide increase for flu to 13.7 consultations per 100,000. That’s up on 8.7 consultations per 100,000 the week before.
The report adds that the two dominant types of influenza in Wales at the moment are influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B.
Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, which covers Swansea and Bridgend, said patients have been admitted to its hospitals who are “seriously ill” with influenza.
Dr Sandra Husbands, ABMU director of public health, said: “Flu really is serious. If you are fit and healthy it may leave you feeling awful for a few days.
“But for some people, especially those who have other health conditions, it can be life-threatening.
“This is why it’s so important people should have their flu vaccination. It is the best available protection against flu and could save your life.
“If you are in a high-risk group please contact your GP surgery or visit a participating pharmacy as soon as you can for your free NHS flu vaccination. The vaccine is very safe, there are no real side-effects.”
Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that affects the lungs and airways.
Symptoms generally come on suddenly, and can include fever, cough, headache, chills, aching muscles and fatigue.
For most healthy children, influenza can mean several days in bed.
However, flu can sometimes result in serious complications, especially for very young children and those with long-term health problems such as moderate or severe asthma.
Children aged two to eight years old on August 31, 2017, are eligible for a free nasal spray vaccine in Wales.
But Public Health Wales said while uptake of the vaccine in primary school-aged children has been good – almost 70% at the start of December – it stands at 40% for children aged two and three years old.
In addition, latest vaccine uptake data shows that just over half of those aged 65 and over in Wales have had their flu vaccination.