Keep up to date with seasonal infections and emerging risks

For those working in health and social care, awareness of current infection trends across Wales is essential. Seasonal increases and emerging pathogens can change risk levels and directly influence Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) guidance.

Key infections to be aware of include:

• Influenza (flu), Covid-19 and RSV - typically increase during autumn and winter; vaccination campaigns remain a key protective measure.
• Norovirus - highly infectious and common in care and residential settings; causes sudden vomiting and diarrhoea and can spread rapidly.
• Emerging pathogens - updates from Public Health Wales (PHW) may introduce new advice, alerts or changes to IPC measures.

Why this matters:
Staying informed helps protect staff, residents and patients, supports early recognition of outbreaks, and ensures IPC measures are applied promptly and consistently.

Learn more and check the latest updates:Infection Prevention & Control - Public Health Wales

Tip: Encourage teams to regularly review IPC posters, vaccination guidance, and local alerts, and to discuss updates during handovers or team briefings.