Britain's current wave of Covid-19 and flu cases appears to be peaking, as health experts have revealed exactly when activity will be at its highest this winter.
With an already increased Covid transmission in hospitals, and growing numbers of flu cases as temperatures drop, experts have warned that it will be one of the most challenging winters in recent history, report North Wales Live.
This, the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) say, is down to the "triple threat" of covid, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Experts have now warned exactly when cases are likely to be at their highest.
Looking at current figures, the health board says infection numbers are expected to peak in the first week of December.
Worryingly, peak is expected to put extra pressure on already exhausted healthcare services.
A BCUHB spokesperson: "We're expecting a peak week for covid, flu and RSV in the first week of December. We're expecting them all to hit at the same time so we've been looking at supply chains to make sure we've got enough PPE in order to contend with those viral infections."
They continued to say: "We're starting to see increased transmissions within hospitals. People who are out and about in the community are catching Covid but when they come in and visit their relatives they're passing it on to patients and staff which has a huge knock-on effect on resources.
"The impact on services is massive which is why we reintroduced masks to try and reduce that transmission."
Infection rates are expected to be at their highest as early as Thursday next week (December 1).
The health board has urged the public to do all that they can in order to lower the risk of infection ahead of the peak - including taking measures such as hand-washing and mask-wearing.
They have also warned anyone who thinks they may have picked up an infection, to be responsible when it comes to mixing with vulnerable people or entering healthcare settings.
Earlier this month, BCUHB warned: "Patients are being admitted to our hospitals with symptoms of flu, COVID-19 and other winter viruses. This year, the flu season has started earlier than normal.
"COVID-19 has not gone away and is still circulating in our communities. Please power up your protection this winter by making sure you get your flu vaccine and Autumn COVID-19 booster."
