As the UK battles a surge in flu cases, there are growing calls for the reintroduction of face masks to help curb the spread. Hospitals are seeing an increase in cases, sparking fears among healthcare professionals about the pressure on the NHS.
Earlier this week, an NHS doctor has reminded people it's not too late to get a flu jab as pressure grows on Humber area hospitals amid a rise in cases.
Around two thirds of people with flu in hospitals across East Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire are aged over 65, one of the groups identified as most 'at risk' from the virus.
Should face masks be brought back to help curb the spread of flu? Vote now and have your say! Join in the conversation below.
In the final week of December alone, England reported 4,689 hospitalised flu patients, with the figure rising to 5,074 by month-end - a substantial jump from the 1,190 recorded at the end of November.
Echoing actions taken during the Covid pandemic, a number of UK hospitals have brought back mandatory face masks in clinical settings. Last month, Hull Royal infirmary and Castle Hill - as well as Northern Lincolnshire & Goole NHS Foundation Trust hospitals in Goole, Grimsby and Scunthorpe announced that staff were being required to wear face masks following a rise in admissions for flu.
Paula Gardner, Shrewsbury and Telford's interim chief nursing officer stated that they are 'requesting all patients, visitors, and staff to wear masks and observe proper hand hygiene. ' Last month, hospitals in Lincolnshire implemented mask regulations.
Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency, cautioned that individuals exhibiting symptoms should remain at home and limit their contact with others, particularly vulnerable individuals, in order to slow the spread of the flu virus.
She added: "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.
