05/12/2025
Masks Back As ‘Tidal Wave’ Of Flu Leaves Hospitals Overwhelmed 😷
Health chiefs are urging anyone who feels unwell to wear a face mask in public as Britain battles a record-breaking surge in flu cases.
Officials at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) say flu hospitalisations are now about ten times higher than at this point two years ago, describing a “tidal wave” of illness crashing over the NHS.
NHS under intense strain 🚨🏥
NHS figures show that around 1,700 patients a day are currently in hospital with flu, with admissions among the oldest patients doubling in a single week. Some hospital trusts have already brought back mask rules on wards and in busy areas, and are warning that flu patients could occupy up to 8,000 beds a day in the coming days.
‘Consider wearing a mask’ 👍🏻
The UKHSA is telling people with coughs, fevers or other flu-like symptoms to “consider wearing a mask” if they need to go out, saying a snug face covering can cut the amount of infectious particles they breathe or cough into the air. Health leaders stress that masks are a simple step the public can take to slow the spread of flu and other winter bugs, on top of staying home when possible and keeping up with hand hygiene.
Stay away from hospitals if ill 🚫
Several NHS organisations are also pleading with people who have mild or moderate flu symptoms not to visit A&E or hospital wards, to avoid spreading the virus to vulnerable patients.
Instead, they are asking those who are not seriously unwell to seek advice from pharmacists, NHS 111 or their GP, and to come forward for flu jabs if eligible as cases climb rapidly before Christmas.
