Rise in cases of flu and COVID-19 across our hospital sites

We are starting to see an increase in respiratory illnesses, including flu and COVID-19, across our hospital sites.

Outbreaks of both viruses - but primarily flu - have been confirmed at the University Hospital of Wales and University Hospital Llandough over recent days, resulting in several ward closures.

Clinicians are also reporting a rise in flu-related hospital admissions from care home residents who are among the most vulnerable in our population and are likely to require a longer stay.

The rise in flu cases has arrived earlier than expected, but our colleagues are working hard to manage every case - in line with infection control procedures - to prevent further spread.

We are advising anyone who has been unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms to avoid visiting any of our hospital sites so we can reduce the risk of further incidents and outbreaks.

Patients who are displaying severe symptoms and feel they need urgent care in hospital will be asked to wear a mask on arrival in assessment and emergency areas. We also ask people to only be accompanied by one person if possible to reduce volumes in these departments.

The best protection against seasonal viruses are the flu and COVID-19 vaccines which are available free of charge to eligible groups including older people, those with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women.

All eligible people will be invited to receive their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at either their GP practice, local pharmacy or nearest community vaccination clinic. Please attend these appointments when they’re offered to you.  

Dino Motti, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at Cardiff and Vale UHB, said: “In Wales we have a target of vaccinating 75% of the population against both flu and COVID-19 - but sadly there are many thousands of people in the community who remain unprotected.

“Without vaccination, people run the risk of becoming seriously unwell, spending time in hospital and increasing the pressure on our already stretched NHS.

“Every winter our colleagues in the emergency department see an increase in respiratory-related admissions, including for asthma and COPD which are made worse by seasonal viruses.

“Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against flu and COVID-19 and to avoid passing them onto our loved ones.

“And don’t forget: even if you’ve had both vaccines before, new types of flu and COVID-19 circulate every year, so you can still get re-infected. Protection also reduces over time, so it’s really important to keep up to date with your immunisations when they are offered to you.”

For more information on Cardiff and Vale UHB’s Winter Respiratory Vaccination Programme (WRVP) please visit the Health Board website.