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.
