An NHS leader has said people who are unwell with flu “must” wear a mask in public. A UK government official has said if you need to go out while sick, you should only “consider” wearing a mask.
So what is the official advice, how serious is the threat posed by flu, and what should you do if have symptoms?
What did the NHS leader say?
Speaking to Times Radio, Daniel Elkeles, the chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts, said the UK was experiencing a “very nasty strain of flu” and people with flu or cold symptoms “must” wear a mask in public.
“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 not to 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.”
Asked whether he meant people who have “a cold, they’re snuffling, they are coughing” should also wear a mask in the office, Elkeles said: “I think that would be very sensible to all their colleagues, or probably their colleagues would say ‘please go home’.”
How does this differ from official government advice?
Downing Street said wearing a mask to prevent the spread of respiratory illness was “something people can consider”.
A No 10 spokesperson said: “There is longstanding 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.”
This advice, which stops short of saying people “must” wear a mask, tallies with what the UK Health Security Agency said last Thursday.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “If you have flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, cough or are feeling tired and achy – try to limit contact with others, especially those at higher risk.
“Wash your hands regularly, keep indoor spaces well-ventilated, and if you need to go out while unwell, consider wearing a face mask.”
Does wearing a mask actually help?
Yes. Masks can be a useful tool in limiting the spread of flu 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 has a respiratory infection.
Face coverings can also protect the person wearing them from becoming infected with other respiratory viruses, according to UKHSA.
How serious is this year’s flu season in the UK?
Health officials are concerned. This year’s season started a month earlier than usual, with a drifted influenza A(H3N2) strain – also known as subclade K – currently dominating cases in England.
The number of people in hospital with flu in England has reached a record high for this time of year. An average of 1,717 flu patients are in beds each day, including 69 in critical care, the most recent data showed.
That is an increase of 56% on the equivalent numbers for the same week in 2024, when the total was 1,098 with 39 in critical care.
Who is eligible for vaccination?
Flu jabs are available to anyone 65 and over, or those under 65 deemed at clinical risk.
Care home residents, carers, pregnant women, close contacts of people who are immunosuppressed, frontline health workers and children can also get the vaccine.
What can you do to try to avoid flu?
Flu spreads easily and can live on surfaces for 24 hours, so frequent hand washing and coughing or sneezing into tissues which are immediately thrown in the bin can help.
Health leaders have also urged eligible people to come forward and get their flu jab.
Does the flu jab work against the subclade K strain?
Yes. UKHSA data shows this year’s vaccine is providing good protection against this strain.
What are the symptoms of flu?
Flu can come on very quickly. Symptoms include a sudden fever, tiredness, aches and pains, a dry cough, sore throat, headache, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, feeling sick and diarrhoea.
What should I do if I think I’ve got the flu?
The NHS suggests rest, keeping warm, drinking plenty of fluids and taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with fever, aches and pains. Pharmacists can also advise on remedies.
People should call NHS 111 or book an urgent GP appointment if they are over 65, pregnant, worried about their child’s symptoms, have long-term medical conditions, have a weakened immune system or if symptoms do not improve after seven days.
