Influenza is now circulating in Wales health officials say.

Recent surveillance data indicates that flu is now circulating in Wales according to Public Health Wales.

The dominant type of flu circulating in Wales is influenza A(H3).

Although influenza affects people of all ages, influenza A(H3) in previous seasons has been associated particularly with cases in older people and outbreaks in care homes.

There have been a number of cases confirmed in the wider population, in different parts of Wales.

The small number of viruses that have been analysed from patient samples so far appear genetically similar to the influenza A(H3) strain contained in the influenza vaccine.

Beat flu before it beats you – Launch of national flu vaccination campaign in Wales

Flu vaccination remains available and it is important that individuals recommended to have annual flu vaccine who have not yet been vaccinated get it soon.

This includes patients aged 65 years and over, those aged 6 months to 64 years in risk groups, and pregnant women, as these individuals are at increased risk of complications if they get flu so should get their vaccine for protection as soon as possible. Carers should also get a flu vaccine to help protect them and the person they care for.

It is also important that frontline health and social care workers protect themselves from influenza through vaccination, as they may be at more risk of catching flu through contact with patients and clients and also risk transmitting the infection on to vulnerable patients, clients and contacts.

For information about flu and the flu vaccination go to www.beatflu.org

The peak of cold and flu season is typically in January or February.

Prepare for cold and flu season by doing the following:

Hygiene

Cough and sneeze into your arm to reduce the spread of bacteria
Wash your hands frequently with a disinfectant hand soap

Food and Drink

Eat nutrient-dense whole foods like fruits and vegetables that are full of antioxidants
Garlic will help clear the sinuses and serve as a boost for your immune system

Healthy Daily Habits

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
Get at least eight hours of sleep to maintain a healthy immune system
Exercise at least three days a week to reduce stress and boost immunity

Disinfect surfaces

During cold and flu season, infection can spread on unclean surfaces. It’s important to keep them disinfected and as clean as possible to prevent the spread of illness. Here’s tips on which Dettol products are best:

• On hard surfaces, use Dettol Surface Cleanser trigger to clean counters, tabletops and more.
• On soft surfaces Dettol Disinfectant Spray will do the job.
• When cleaning hard to reach areas or small items like TV remotes, bins and doorknobs, Dettol Disinfectant Spray will take care of the spread of bacteria.
• For everything else, especially for when you’re looking for a quick clean, Dettol Cleansing Surface Wipes will clean surfaces quickly.

Prepare for flu info via Dettol.