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Wales Online

Health

Mark Smith

Hospital staff treating dozens of patients with flu and Covid at the same time

Covid-19 Swansea Bay University Health Board Swansea Wales

Hospital staff in one part of Wales are treating dozens of patients who have caught flu and Covid at the same time. Swansea Bay University Health Board confirmed that 24 cases of dual infection were recorded between December 1 and January 3.

The health board said the concurrent infections are the reason some come into hospital in the first place, while others are admitted with separate issues and are subsequently found to have both highly-infectious viruses. A spokeswoman said the seriousness of the infections varies between patients and depends on a range of factors including age and comorbidities such as heart or respiratory problems.

Hospitals across Wales are currently dealing with unprecedented levels of respiratory viruses which are placing pressure on an already overstretched health service. Dr Frank Atherton, chief medical officer for Wales, urged anyone with cold, flu or Covid symptoms to stay at home and avoid visiting health and care settings. He also advised that people with symptoms should wear a face covering when in public.

Consultant in health protection for Public Health Wales, Sion Lingard, said: "With both flu and Covid circulating it is possible for someone to become infected by both at the same time. It's important not to forget how serious flu alone can be for people of all ages, including children. Vaccination is an important and safe way to reduce the risk of becoming unwell in the first place."

With the number of single Covid and flu infections in patients also still at very high levels across Morriston, Singleton and Neath Port Talbot hospitals – a total of 121 patients or the equivalent of four full wards at the end of last week – those who remain unvaccinated are being urged to take up the offer now.

The health board's two local vaccination centres at Aberafan Shopping Centre and Canolfan Gorseinon Centre have become one-stop shops for flu and Covid vaccinations for all ages, which are available without an appointment.

Executive director for public health for Swansea Bay University Health Board, Dr Keith Reid, said: "We haven't seen numbers of respiratory infections like this for a good few years, not even at the height of the Covid pandemic. Flu and Covid are highly infectious and flu in particular is currently making people very sick.

"Vaccination remains our best defence against these illnesses. They reduce the chances you'll be infected in the first place and provide a high level of protection against the most serious illness, helping to avoid the need for a hospital stay. It is now more important than ever that people who are eligible and haven’t yet had their flu vaccination get it as we still have a long way to go this winter. While vaccination isn’t 100% effective it does help to reduce risk for everyone."

He added: "By making sure you and your loved ones are vaccinated, you'll be helping to protect them, the wider community and the NHS during this extremely challenging time. We'd also urge anyone with any symptoms of respiratory infections, such as a cough, not to visit friends or relatives in hospital and to stay at home until they are better. If they have to go out, they should wear a mask to protect those around them.”

Swansea Bay University Health Board is offering flu and Covid vaccinations for children and adults at its local vaccination centres at Aberafan Shopping Centre and Canolfan Gorseinon Centre. New data also shows that the nasal spray flu vaccination, which helps protect children from flu, may also reduce the rate of group A strep infections.

January opening times – no appointment needed:

Aberafan Shopping Centre (river bridge / Tesco end)