‘Wear a mask’ if you’re struck by key Covid and flu symptoms, public warned

ILL Brits should wear face masks if they’re going outside , health officials have said.

People suffering with flu or Covid symptoms should don a face covering when leaving their homes, according to the UK Health Security Agency.

Despite cases of both winter viruses falling in the week up to February 19 in England, health bosses are re-emphasising the guidance reminiscent of pandemic times.

Dr Mary Ramsay, of the UKHSA, said: “We continue to see a decrease in flu and Covid-19 activity in this week’s data, but people are still getting seriously ill from these viruses.

“We can all help to prevent the spread of viruses like flu and Covid-19.

“If you are showing symptoms like a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. 

“If you do need to go out, consider wearing a mask.”

UKHSA figures show the proportion of people with flu symptoms that tested positive fell from 10.2 per cent the previous week to 7.4 per cent in the most recent seven days.

Covid positivity fell from 5 per cent to 4.3 per cent during the same period.

However, cases of the winter vomiting bug norovirus remain high and were 15 per cent above the same two-week period last year.

Amy Douglas, of the UKHSA, said: “Reports of norovirus have decreased in recent weeks but still remain high. 

“Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs. 

“Norovirus could cause dehydration, especially in vulnerable groups such as young children and older or immunocompromised people.

“So if you do get ill it is important to drink plenty of fluids during that time.”

Winter bugs and illnesses including flu are still putting services under strain

Adam BrimelowNHS Providers

Separate figures from NHS England show there were an average of 1,837 patients in hospital with flu each day last week.

It was more than three times higher than the 518 recorded in the same week last year.

There were 469 patients in hospital with norovirus each day last week, and 2,276 patients with Covid-19.

NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis, said: “These figures show that hardworking NHS staff are still facing significant pressure from winter viruses.”

Adam Brimelow, of NHS Providers, said: “Constant pressure means it’s been another tough and busy winter for the NHS.

“Week after week staff pull out all the stops to see patients as quickly as possible in the face of a ‘capacity crunch’ as huge demand continues to outstrip resources.

"Winter bugs and illnesses including flu are still putting services under strain while staff continue to work hard to reduce the longest waits for care and make significant inroads to overall waiting lists.”