The UK Health Security Agency is sounding the alarm as flu cases soar, with thousands falling ill. Professor Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at UKHSA, has issued a stark warning: people should self-isolate and minimise contact with others, particularly the vulnerable, if they show symptoms to curb the virus's spread.
She emphasised: "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."
Last year's flu season saw 14,500 excess deaths, and this year's figures are even more concerning. In the final week of December, England's hospitals admitted 4,689 flu patients, a significant increase from 1,190 at November's end.
On Sunday, 29 December, the number of flu hospitalisations rose to 5,074. With over 200 individuals in intensive care due to the flu and dropping temperatures coupled with the return to work and school, there's a fear of escalating cases.
Several UK hospitals, including 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, have reinstated mandatory face masks in clinical areas, reminiscent of Covid protocols. These trusts are taking additional precautions, such as mandatory face coverings, hand hygiene, and visitor restrictions, reports Surrey Live.
Paula Gardner, the interim chief nursing officer for Shrewsbury and Telford, has urged all patients, visitors and staff to wear masks and maintain good hand hygiene. This follows a similar move by hospitals in Lincolnshire last month.
The NHS has outlined that flu symptoms can appear very quickly and may include: The symptoms are similar for children, but they can also experience ear pain and appear less active.
