At risk patients are being urged to get to get a flu jab as soon as possible
Wales is heading for a 10-year flu high, according to health officials.
Eleven patients with the H1N1 swine flu virus are in critical care and 17 with flu-like symptoms in intensive care. Public Health Wales said there was a huge increase in patients last week and it is the worst "flu wave" since 2000.
There were 85.5 consultations per 100,000 people, compared to just 22.6 the previous week, with more young people affected.
At-risk groups
• Those aged 65 or over
• Pregnant women
• People with a chronic (long-term) respiratory diseases, such as severe asthma, COPD or bronchitis
• People with chronic heart disease
• People with chronic kidney disease
• People with a chronic neurological disease
• People with diabetes
• People with a weakened immune system
• People living in a residential or nursing home
• The main carers for an elderly or disabled person
• Healthcare or social care professionals directly involved in patient care
• Those who work in close contact with poultry, such as chickens
The same week last year saw a total of just 22.7 consultations per 100,000.
This week's figures show 15 to 24-year-olds were the most badly affected age group with 170 consultations per 100,000 population. But vaccination uptake in the under-65s as a whole is down 10% on last year to 40%.
A Welsh Assembly Government spokesperson said: "For those who are 65 and over, or under 65 with a chronic condition or who are pregnant, they should get their free seasonal flu jab, as this is the simplest way of protecting themselves this winter. If you haven't had it yet, contact your GP.
"It is also important, that if you do have flu or cold-like symptoms, you should not go to your GP or emergency department, unless you are in one of the at risk groups and are concerned as this increases the risk of spreading the infection."
For advice, contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhsdirect.wales.nhs.uk
