Wales sees mixed picture in winter virus trends
New figures from the Welsh Government show a mixed picture for winter respiratory viruses in Wales, with COVID-19 hospital admissions increasing while influenza and RSV cases declined.
The data, from the Science, Research and Evidence (SRE) Division’s weekly surveillance report, cover the week ending 28 December 2025.
COVID-19 admissions rose from 10 to 15 confirmed community-acquired cases.
The number of patients already in hospital with the virus fell from 88 to 71, with one in critical care compared to two the previous week.
Positive test rates for COVID-19 in hospitals and GP practices remained stable at 2.2%.
The Omicron subvariant XFG.3 continues to be the most frequently detected strain in Wales, representing nearly a third of sequenced cases.
For influenza, confirmed hospital admissions fell from 176 to 106.
Inpatient cases also decreased, from 284 to 261.
However, test positivity increased to 19.8%.
Influenza A(H3) remains the dominant subtype.
The SRE Division projects that flu admissions may increase or stabilise during early January.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) admissions fell again, from 95.1 to 64.0 cases per 100,000 children under five, though levels remain high.
A total of 134 inpatients had confirmed RSV, including 10 in critical care.
According to the report, overall acute respiratory infection consultations decreased among under-fives but rose slightly in adults.
Six outbreaks of acute respiratory illness were reported to Public Health Wales during the week, all in residential care homes.
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