The Welsh Government is advising people to wear masks in public if they have any signs of a respiratory infection. The new guidance comes as the country experiences high levels of flu and Covid circulating which are putting "unprecedented demand" on the NHS this winter.
Health boards have asked people not to visit hospitals if they have flu-like symptoms to protect patients, while the NHS 111 Wales helpline has also experienced record-breaking volumes of calls. Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board in north Wales declared a "critical incident" on Monday which resulted in routine operations being postponed.
According to Public Health Wales data, our current flu season is the most prevalent since the winter of 2019-20. In the week ending December 25, there were 1,877 cases of influenza diagnosed by family doctors in Wales, with consultation rates highest in those aged 25 to 44 years old. Some 369 people with flu needed hospitalisation in Wales during week 51, up from 236 cases the week before.
Read more: NHS Wales consultant explains why health care system is on verge of collapse
Meanwhile recent Welsh Government figures also revealed that the number of people being treated specifically for Covid-19 in Welsh hospitals is the highest it has been since mid-July. On Tuesday, December 20, of the 538 patients in hospital with "confirmed" Covid, 72 of them were being actively treated for the virus - the most since July 22 (77 patients). Hundreds of people a week are also catching Covid while in hospital - you can read more about that here.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said on Tuesday: "The NHS is facing unprecedented demand this winter. There are high levels of flu and Covid circulating. To keep everyone safe and reduce pressure on the NHS, if you have symptoms please try to stay at home and not visit health and care settings. If you have symptoms and have to go out, wear a face covering.
"Anyone with non-life-threatening conditions is advised to use the NHS Wales 111 website in the first instance. We thank the people of Wales for supporting and protecting our health service."
Symptoms of respiratory infections include:
- continuous cough
sore throat, stuffy or runny nose
unexplained tiredness, lack of energy
muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise
- high temperature, fever or chills
- loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell
- shortness of breath
- not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry
- headache that is unusual or longer lasting than usual
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick or being sick.
If you are feeling unwell with these symptoms, the Welsh Government advises people to get plenty of rest and drink water to keep hydrated. Sufferers can use also medications such as paracetamol to help with symptoms. "Antibiotics are not recommended for viral respiratory infections because they will not relieve your symptoms or speed up your recovery," a spokesperson said.
"You should stay at home and avoid contact with others until you no longer have a high temperature or until you feel better. You could ask friends, family, or neighbours to get food and other essentials for you. If you feel well enough to work, you should work from home wherever possible. If you cannot work from home, talk to your employer about options."
The main symptoms of Covid-19 are:
- a high temperature (37.8°C or above)
- a new continuous cough
- loss or change of taste or smell
A Welsh Government spokesperson added: "If you have any of the main symptoms of Covid-19, you should stay at home and follow the guidance above for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection."
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