Key points

- Levels of flu in Wales have decreased in the week ending 9 August
- Current levels of flu in Wales would be considered normal in the winter
- Swine flu usually leads to a mild illness although in a minority of cases it can be severe

Summary

- The clinical consultation rate for influenza in Wales decreased during week ending 9 August to 49.4 cases of flu like illness diagnosed by GPs out of every 100,000 people in Wales. It was 69.9 per 100,000 in the previous week. While there has been a decrease, this is still within the range for what would be considered normal for seasonal flu activity in the winter.

- 100 laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu have been reported by NPHS Health Protection Teams in 20 LHB areas (as at 10am on 12 August).

- Of the laboratory confirmed cases, 33 people confirmed with swine flu in Wales have been admitted to hospital. Thirty one of these have now been discharged (as at 10am on 12 August).

- According to the NPHS daily GP surveillance scheme, as at 12 August, the influenza consultation rate in Wales as a whole was 55.3 cases of flu like illness diagnosed by GPs in the previous seven days out of every 100,000 people in Wales.

- Consultation rates are between 25 and 100 per 100,000 in all 22 LHB areas in Wales. Consultation rates appear highest in South Wales.

- Consultation rates appear highest in children aged less than 4 years and in those aged 15 - 24 years, - During the week ending 9 August, the percentage of total calls to NHS

Direct Wales which were influenza related decreased to 29.8 per cent.

Source
The Welsh Assembly Government