The Prime Minister’s spokesman has given an update on wearing face masks and other measures to prevent the spread of flu – including school closures – after a record number of cases. Downing Street said wearing a mask to prevent the spread of respiratory illness was “something people can consider” after the head of NHS Providers recommended wider use of face coverings.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers which represents NHS trusts, said the country was facing a “nasty” strain of flu. He said: “When you were talking about anything like Covid, I think we need to get back into the habit that if you are coughing and sneezing, but you’re not unwell enough to not go to work, then you must wear a mask when you’re in public spaces, including on public transport to stop the chances of you giving your virus to somebody else.
“And we were all very good about infection control during Covid. And we really, really need to get back to that now.”
He added: “We have really got to worry about the fact that this is a very nasty strain of flu. It spreads very easily. It’s warm and wet out there and people need to be sensible.”
Mr Elkeles said the peak of this flu season could be worse than previous winters, adding: “We really do need people to sit up and listen. And actually, we need to have a big debate probably after this flu season about how we prepare the public better for what happens every year.
“So if you haven’t already had your flu vaccine and you’re eligible, please go and take it.”
Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead at the charity Asthma and Lung UK, said people with lung diseases should “consider wearing a face mask in crowded or indoor spaces to reduce their chance of catching flu”.
He added: “Masks can help reduce the chance of inhaling viruses but staying up to date with vaccinations, practising good hand hygiene, and avoiding contact with sick people are the main ways to stay safe.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also called on people to get a flu jab. UKHSA data suggests this year’s vaccine is providing good protection even though a drifted influenza A(H3N2) strain – dubbed super flu – is currently dominating cases in England.
The number of people in hospital with flu in England is at a record level for this time of year. An average of 1,717 flu patients were in beds in England each day, including 69 in critical care, the most recent data showed. This is 56% higher than the equivalent numbers for the same week in 2024, when the total was 1,098 with 39 in critical care.
Some schools have been forced to close temporarily due to high levels of illness. A Government spokesperson said: “School attendance is critical for children’s life chances, and while it’s clear cases of flu are going to have an impact on attendance levels, we are clear school closures should only happen in extreme circumstances.
“We provide clear guidance to help parents know exactly when to keep children home, and to help schools both manage children’s wellbeing and keep disruption to a minimum.”
A No 10 spokesman said: “There is long-standing guidance in place for people on a range of measures they can consider taking to help limit the spread of winter bugs if they have flu-like symptoms. This is neither new nor an instruction, but simply something people can consider when trying to limit the spread of winter respiratory illnesses. It’s been a long-standing position.
“The best defence against flu is the vaccine, which is why we’re ramping up our vaccination efforts this winter with almost 17 million flu jobs already delivered, which is 350,000 more than this time last year.”
