Do you think face masks should be reintroduced as thousands fall ill with flu? Vote now
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As flu cases continue to surge across the country, many are wondering if the return of face masks could help curb the spread of illness. Hospitals are seeing a spike in cases, and medical professionals are raising concerns about the burden on the healthcare system.
While facial coverings have proven effective in reducing the transmission of respiratory illnesses, many of us simply don't like wearing them. But should we really let any feelings of inconvenience or discomfort overshadow public safety?. With more than 200 people already in intensive care fighting flu, there are fears dropping temperatures and people returning to work and school could send numbers soaring.
Last year's flu season saw 14,500 excess deaths - and cases are already higher this year. There were 4,689 people in hospital with flu in England in the last week of December, with 5,074 patients battling the virus in hospital by the end of the month - up from 1,190 at the end of November.
Echoing the Covid pandemic, a number of UK hospitals have already brought back the mandatory wearing of face masks in clinical areas. If you can't see the poll, click here. 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 are among those that have brought in safety measures, with some requiring face masks and hand washing and others restricting visitors.
