Experts have given advice on how to keep safe as a "tripledemic" spreads in communities with Christmas nearing. Wales is dealing with rising rates of coronavirus, record levels of Strep A/scarlet fever cases, and a winter flu season which arrived earlier than usual.
We asked Public Health Wales whether people should mix as normal with loved ones this Christmas given the three infectious illnesses putting pressure on the country's healthcare system. The agency responded that the best protection is the flu vaccine.
Its spokeswoman said: "Public Health Wales is reporting that the flu season in Wales has begun earlier than usual this year. It means that levels of flu in the community may peak around Christmas. Public health experts are urging those who are eligible for a free flu vaccine to take up the offer now, to help protect themselves and others from getting seriously ill with flu this Christmas."
