NHS Chiefs Advise Wearing Masks for Flu Symptoms Amid Mixed Public Guidance
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, has stated that people experiencing flu symptoms such as coughing and sneezing, even if not too unwell to work, should wear masks in public spaces, including on public transport. This advice is stronger than current official guidance from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which suggests that those with flu symptoms should "consider" wearing a face mask rather than making it a mandatory requirement.
Health experts have cautioned that Elkeles's "must wear" stance could lead to confusion and potentially undermine the credibility of public health messaging. Rory Deighton of the NHS Confederation supports sensible measures to reduce flu spread—such as vaccination and staying at home when possible or wearing a mask if going out—that align with UKHSA recommendations.
Flu hospitalisations have reached record levels for this time of year in England, prompting at least six hospitals across the UK to ask patients to stay away due to the surge. Some hospitals have also introduced mask-wearing requirements on certain wards including A&E, ICU, oncology, and renal dialysis.
Public health experts warn that mixed messaging runs the risk of alert fatigue and eroding public trust in health guidelines, referencing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and related studies. NHS Providers, which represents 204 health trusts in England, is a trade body and not a part of the NHS itself.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal of UKHSA recently reiterated that people with flu-like symptoms who need to leave home could consider wearing a face mask to reduce transmission.
