Should face masks be brought back to help curb the spread of flu? Vote now
As the UK faces a rise in flu cases, there are increasing calls to consider whether reinstating face masks could help control the spread of the virus. Hospitals are seeing an influx of cases, causing medical professionals to worry about the potential strain on the healthcare system.
Despite evidence showing that face coverings can effectively reduce the transmission of respiratory diseases, many individuals remain hesitant to wear them. However, should personal discomfort or inconvenience outweigh public health concerns?
Should face masks be brought back to help curb the spread of flu? Vote now and have your say! Join in the conversation below.
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With over 200 people currently in intensive care units due to flu, there is mounting concern that falling temperatures and the return to work and school routines could trigger a surge in cases.
The previous flu season led to 14,500 excess deaths, and this year's figures have already surpassed that number. 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 increase from the 1,190 recorded at the end of November.
Echoing tactics from the Covid pandemic, several UK hospitals have reverted to mandating face masks in clinical zones. The institutions taking this step include Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, East Surrey Hospital, Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, as reported by the Mirror.
Interim chief nursing officer at Shrewsbury and Telford, Paula Gardner, remarked they are 'requesting all patients, visitors, and staff to wear masks and observe proper hand hygiene. ' Last month saw Lincolnshire hospitals adopting mask mandates as well.
UK Health Security Agency's chief medical adviser, Professor Susan Hopkins, has advised individuals with symptoms to stay home and restrict contact, especially with vulnerable people, to mitigate the flu virus's transmission.
She further stated: "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.