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."
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Consultant epidemiologist Dr Christopher Johnson added: “Flu can be serious, particularly for those who are older or have a health condition and are more vulnerable to complications as a result of the flu. We often socialise more at Christmas and are more likely to see vulnerable elderly relatives. Vaccinations are the best way to protect ourselves and loved ones from getting seriously ill this winter.”
The flu vaccine is available for free to people in certain vulnerable groups. If you are not in one of those groups, Public Health Wales says its guidance is that you do not need to get the jab before spending time with family and friends this Christmas. The groups eligible for a free flu vaccine are:
- Pregnant people
- People aged 50 or over
- People aged six months to 49 years who have a long-term health condition that puts them at increased risk from flu
- Care home residents
- Homeless people
- Children aged two and three years old (age on August 31, 2022)
- Children and young people in school from Reception class to Year 11
- Carers
- People working directly with patients/clients in health or social care
- First responders and members of voluntary organisations providing planned emergency first aid
- Those who live with someone who has a compromised immune system.
Side effects of the flu vaccine are mild and usually only last for a few days. Public Health Wales says vaccination is "particularly important" for those who are older, pregnant, or have a health condition and are more vulnerable to complications as a result of the infections. Its spokeswoman added that it is also "very important" that frontline healthcare workers and carers get jabbed to help reduce the spread.
She said: "Catching flu increases the risk of becoming severely unwell with secondary infections, so one of the steps you can take to protect your children and all vulnerable family members from infections like Strep A is to take up the offer of a free flu vaccine for your child and any eligible adult."
The Covid-19 autumn booster programme is also available to many, including everyone over 50 years old and/or at risk of severe disease. For more information about how to get the vaccines, visit this page. And you can read more about the different symptoms of the "tripledemic" infections here.
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