Official figures show there has been a huge increase in the number of people suffering from colds and flu in Wales - and the worst is yet to come.

Many hospitals are struggling to cope with what has become a traditional post-Christmas rush.

On top of that, it seems, more and more people are seeking treatment for what is being called Seasonal Affective Disorder - in other words 'winter blues'.

At Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil, there is currently a four hour wait for treatment in the accident and emergency department and at one stage, the hospital was down to its last bed, as extra staff were drafted in to cope with flu admissions over the Millennium weekend.

It was a picture repeated all over Wales with more than 300 people admitted to Bangor's Ysbyty Gwynedd between Christmas and New Year.

Down the coastline, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan, was busy but managing to cope.

Prince Philip hospital at Llanelli has run out of beds and is sending patients to Swansea, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest.

And the brand new Royal Glamorgan at Llantrisant, south Wales, is facing increasing pressure, with up to 20 people waiting for beds during the holiday.

Elective surgery cancelled

In Cardiff, the University Hospital of Wales is completely full, and elective surgery has been cancelled.

As countless others treat themselves at home buying up cold and flu remedies - winter grey skies have also provoked an outbreak of depression among workers returning to offices.

Psychiatrists say more people are recognising seasonal affective disorder as a very real problem

A light box - costing between £150 and £200 - is said to lift the spirits and one large store has already sold out between Christmas and New Year.

Because of growing demand, staff are awaiting fresh supplies before the weekend.