Flu Activity Circulating Earlier Than Usual in Wales

Strategic Insights -

Public Health Wales is warning of an increased risk of flu earlier than usual in Wales, urging all eligible groups to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The warning particularly affects those aged 65 and over and residents in care homes. Data suggests a rise in influenza activity, with case numbers expected to rise in the coming weeks. The flu season typically starts in late November or early December, making this year's activity a month early.

Key Takeaways:

  • The flu vaccine is a highly effective way to protect against the three strains of flu that circulate each year, according to Dr Christopher Johnson, head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales.
  • Older adults and those with long-term health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or chronic heart disease are more susceptible to complications from influenza viruses and should prioritize getting vaccinated.
  • Public Health Wales is detecting the largest numbers of influenza A(H3), a virus type that historically results in higher levels of illness and outbreaks in residential care homes and older adults.
  • Smaller numbers of influenza A(H1) are also being detected, which can affect younger age groups more severely.
  • The flu vaccine is offered annually to protect those at risk of serious illness, including older adults, care home residents and staff, health and social care workers, young children, and pregnant women.
  • For more information about how to get vaccines, individuals should visit the Public Health Wales website.

Statistics:

  • Flu activity is circulating a month earlier than usual, typically starting in late November or early December.
  • The largest numbers of influenza A(H3) are being detected, a virus type that historically results in higher levels of illness and outbreaks in residential care homes and older adults.
  • Smaller numbers of influenza A(H1) are also being detected, which can affect younger age groups more severely.
  • Public Health Wales is detecting increased influenza activity through data from GPs, hospital tests, and confirmed outbreaks.
  • The flu season is expected to continue with increased case numbers in the coming weeks.

Sources:

  • Byline: Jo Barnes
  • Public Health Wales website