As the UK battles a surge in flu cases, questions are being asked about whether bringing back face masks could help control the spread. Hospitals are seeing an increase in cases, sparking fears from health professionals about the pressure on the NHS.
Despite the proven effectiveness of face coverings in reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, many people are hesitant to wear them. But should personal discomfort or inconvenience really outweigh public safety?
Should face masks be brought back to help curb the spread of flu? Vote now and have your say! Join in the conversation below.
With over 200 people already fighting the flu in intensive care units, there’s growing concern that dropping temperatures and the return to work and school could trigger a rise in cases.
The last flu season resulted in 14,500 excess deaths, and this year’s figures are already higher. In the final week of December alone, England had 4,689 hospitalised flu patients, with the number increasing to 5,074 by month’s end – a significant jump from the 1,190 recorded at the end of November.
Mirroring measures taken during the Covid pandemic, several UK hospitals have reinstated the compulsory wearing of face masks in clinical areas. Among those implementing safety measures such as mandatory face masks, hand washing, and visitor restrictions are Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, East Surrey Hospital, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, reports the Mirror..
Interim chief nursing officer at Shrewsbury and Telford, Paula Gardner, stated that patients, visitors, and staff are all asked to wear masks and practice good hand hygiene. As the Mirror reports, hospitals in Lincolnshire also implemented mask mandates last month.
UK Health Security Agency chief medical adviser Professor Susan Hopkins cautions that individuals showing symptoms should stay at home and minimise their interactions, especially with vulnerable individuals, in order to slow down the spread of flu.
She advises: “If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should wear a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.”
Should face masks be brought back to help curb the spread of flu? Vote now and have your say! Join in the conversation below.