Flu has hit the UK earlier than usual this winter
Brits suffering from flu or cold symptoms are being told to wear masks in public spaces as the UK faces a “tidal wave” of illness, according to a senior NHS figure.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers which represents NHS trusts, warned that the nation is confronting a “very nasty strain of flu” that has emerged earlier than usual this year.
He told Times Radio: “So children are still at school, it’s warm and wet, so it’s perfect flu-spreading conditions. 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.”
When asked whether he meant people who have “got a cold, they’re snuffling, they are coughing” should wear a mask in the office, Mr Elkeles replied: “I think that would be very sensible to all their colleagues, or probably their colleagues would say ‘please go home’. But 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 cautioned that this flu season’s peak could surpass previous winters in severity, emphasising: “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.”
Downing Street has suggested that wearing a mask to prevent the spread of respiratory illness is “something people can consider”. This follows a blog post last week by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which stated that “masks continue to be a useful tool in limiting the spread of respiratory viruses in some situations”.
The agency advised: “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.”
A spokesperson for No 10 clarified: “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.”
The spokesperson added: “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.”
Dr Andy Whittamore, clinical lead at the charity Asthma and Lung UK, advised individuals with lung diseases to “consider wearing a face mask in crowded or indoor spaces to reduce their chance of catching flu”.
He further stated: “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.”
In recent days, some hospitals have also encouraged staff and visitors to wear masks, including in A&E departments, as they grapple with high flu case numbers.
When asked about mask-wearing on Sky News, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch expressed her views. She said: “I’m still slightly traumatised by all the mask wearing that we had to do during Covid. Let’s bring some common sense into this. I personally think that face coverings can be a barrier to social interaction, social cohesion and I do worry about a mask mandate. I don’t think the Government should be mandating anything.”
She added: “Let’s have some common sense. I think people can makeup their own minds. If you are really sick, it should be in bed. It should not be on public transport. I think that’s more of a problem. But the truth is, many people are contagious before they realise that they’re even ill. So I’m not sure that it would work.”
Mr Elkeles spoke to Times Radio about “the really big challenge” of resident doctors planning to strike next week, just as the NHS is dealing with flu and other illnesses. He stated that he shared the worries expressed by “really, really senior doctors” from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges regarding the potential patient harm if the strike proceeds.
He explained: “It’s not too late for resident doctors and the Government to find enough common ground in their conversations to say ‘we are determined to resolve this dispute but the thing that is really, really going to damage the NHS and harm patients is having the strike next week. So let’s not have the strike next week and let’s carry on talking and get to a good place where resident doctors and the Government feel like there’s a good solution.”
UKHSA data indicates this year’s vaccine is offering strong protection against flu despite a mutated influenza A(H3N2) strain – nicknamed super flu – currently accounting for most cases across England.
Hospital admissions for flu in England have reached unprecedented levels for this period of the year. Recent figures revealed an average of 1,717 flu patients occupied beds in England daily, with 69 requiring critical care. Fresh NHS flu statistics will be published on Thursday.
Additionally, several schools have been compelled to shut temporarily owing to widespread illness outbreaks. Reports indicated that St Martin’s School in Caerphilly closed last week following more than 250 pupils and staff members falling unwell.
A Government spokesperson commented: “This will be a tough winter for our NHS and the latest figures confirm flu cases are at very high levels this year. 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.”
The spokesperson added: “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.”
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