WALES HIT BY WORST FLU OUTBREAK IN SIX YEARS

FLU is now circulating at a “high intensity” across Wales and is officially the worst outbreak in six years.

Public Health Wales’ weekly Influenza Activity in Wales Report has found there were 64.9 GP consultations per 100,000 people between January 8-14.

That’s almost double the 37.7 consultations reported the week before and close to four times as many as a fortnight earlier.

Outbreaks have been reported in hospitals and care homes, with rates at their highest since 2010-11.

A number of different strains of flu, including Australian flu, are now circulating in Wales.

People with the virus are being urged to stay away from those who are very old, very young, pregnant or have a long-term health condition, as they are at high risk of complications from flu.

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

Vaccination against flu is offered free of charge on the NHS to people who are aged 65 or over, are pregnant, have certain long-term health conditions or are unpaid carers.

Flu vaccine is also recommended for frontline health and social care workers to protect them and reduce the risk of spreading flu to those in their care.

Advice on self-care is available on www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk, from community pharmacists or from NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 (or 111 in areas where the 111 Wales service is available).