'Serious' cases of Influenza on the rise in Wales
Public Health Wales is urging people particularly those most vulnerable to protect themselves this winter
Public Health Wales is urging people particularly those most vulnerable to protect themselves this winter, as Wales sees a spike in Influenza A cases.
Influenza A (H3N2) is a strain of flu that typically causes more severe illness in older people and in care settings:
More than 700,000 flu vaccines have already been delivered in Wales, but Public Health Wales is encouraging everyone who is eligible and has not yet been vaccinated to take up the offer as soon as possible.
Nearly a million people in Wales get vaccinated each year.
The call comes alongside Public Health Wales’ Winter Well-being: Shared Actions and Impact report, which outlines practical steps to help vulnerable people stay healthy, warm and safe throughout the colder months.
Public Health Wales' step for protection in Winter:
- Get vaccinated
- Make a winter well-being plan
- Prepare a small emergency it during severe weather
- Keep warm at home
- Know when and how to get the right care
- Stay connected with others
Dr Christopher Johnson, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme (VPDP) at Public Health Wales, said:
“This winter we are seeing high levels of Influenza A (H3N2), a strain that can be particularly serious for older people and those in residential care.
“Protection from previous vaccination fades over time, which is why the flu vaccine is updated every year to match circulating strains and give people the best protection.
“Vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have, it’s quick, safe and gives protection within 14 days. With more than 600,000 flu vaccines already delivered in Wales, we strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to take up their offer as soon as possible."
"Flu can be serious, particularly for people with certain health conditions"
The health body says flu can be serious, particularly for people with certain health conditions including asthma and diabetes which make them more vulnerable to serious complications because of influenza viruses.
Adults with chronic liver disease are over 48 times more likely to experience serious outcomes from flu, while those with weakened immune systems face a risk more than 45 times higher than the general population.
Those eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine include people aged 65 years and older, people aged six months to 64 years with a long-term health condition, health and social care workers, carers, pregnant women and people living in care homes.