Speaking to the Daily Express, Dr Azeem Majeed, Head of the Department of Primary Care & Public Health at Imperial College London, said: “We are seeing a period of high flu activity, which is putting additional pressure on health services, and particularly affecting older adults, young children, and people with underlying health conditions.
“Mask-wearing can reduce transmission of infection in certain situations. High-quality masks are effective at limiting the spread of respiratory viruses, including influenza, especially in crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces or healthcare settings. For people who are clinically vulnerable, or those caring for them, mask use during periods of high flu activity can offer an added layer of protection.
“Masks are most effective when used alongside other measures such as vaccination, good ventilation, staying home when unwell, and hand hygiene. We are unlikely to see population-wide mask mandates return, but targeted, sensible use of masks during peak respiratory virus seasons remains a reasonable and proportionate option to try to limit the spread of flu.”
The NHS is operating close to full capacity, with 92% of adult hospital beds in use, up 5% from the previous week.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reminded the public that masks continue to be a “useful tool” in limiting the spread of respiratory viruses in some situations.
Wearing a well-fitting mask when unwell can reduce the number of particles containing viruses that are released from the mouth and nose of someone who is infected with a respiratory infection.
Face coverings can also protect the person wearing them from contracting other respiratory viruses.
Some hospitals are now introducing temporary mask requirements in response to the rising number of cases. Gloucestershire Hospitals, for example, is asking patients and relatives to wear surgical masks in all “direct assessment areas”.
Masks are available at the entrances, and patients who are unable to wear one are advised to inform the staff. Inpatients with confirmed or suspected flu or COVID-19 will also be offered a mask, and anyone with symptoms is asked not to visit patients.
These measures are designed to protect staff, patients, and visitors during the current surge and will be updated when infection rates decline.
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Today’s data shows we are not out of the woods yet. While the NHS is better prepared and performing more strongly than this time last year thanks to the tireless work of staff, the current cold snap is putting fresh pressure on frontline services.
“Flu can be serious, particularly for older people, young children, and those with underlying conditions, and vaccination remains the best protection. I urge everyone who is eligible to get their flu jab as soon as possible. By acting now, we can help keep people out of hospital, support our NHS staff through the toughest weeks of winter, and ensure emergency care is there for those who need it most.”
The H3N2 strain, also known as subclade K or the “super flu,” mutated seven times over the summer, allowing it to evade previous immunity. Early fears suggested hospital cases could rise five times higher than average, although current figures show admissions are similar to previous years.
Since September, millions of eligible people have been urged to receive both flu and Covid vaccines. Free flu vaccinations are available to those over 65, pregnant women, care home residents and carers, and anyone with long-term health conditions.
Children aged 2–17 are also eligible, typically through a nasal spray, with GPs offering it to two- and three-year-olds. More than 18.6 million vaccines have been administered in England so far.
