Britain: Hospitals overwhelmed due to record flu, is it worth returning to mask mode.

According to ТСН: British hospitals find themselves in a critical situation: wards are overcrowded with patients suffering from severe flu. The statistics are staggering: over the past week, more than 2600 beds have been occupied daily by flu patients, which is the highest figure for this time of year in recorded history.

The topic of returning to mask mandates is actively discussed in The Daily Mail.

“A truly disgusting virus”

Virologists express concerns: this threat should not be underestimated. Professor Steven Griffin from the University of Leeds warns against a carefree attitude towards the disease.

“There is a danger that people perceive flu as mundane – as a virus that only affects the elderly and infirm. This can be truly a disgusting virus, so anyone who does not want to catch the flu, especially those who come into contact with vulnerable people, should consider wearing a mask,” emphasized Professor Griffin.

He also noted that in situations where you are in a poorly ventilated theater, a mask is a “solution that is not even up for discussion.”

His colleague, Professor Lawrence Young from the University of Warwick, advises being cautious even with the slightest symptoms. According to him, if you have “just a runny nose,” it’s still worth putting on a mask, as the virus is highly contagious, especially in crowded malls and supermarkets in the lead-up to the holidays.

Arguments of skeptics: “annual panic”

However, not all experts support the idea of wearing masks. Professor Robert Dingwall, a sociologist specializing in infectious diseases, described the current situation as the “annual NHS winter panic.” He refers to research from the Cochrane Collaboration that analyzed the effectiveness of masks from 2008 to 2023.

“Masks, in particular, have shown little benefit or none in interrupting virus transmission... There is nothing that justifies urgent recommendations to wear masks in any context,” claims Dingwall.

The golden mean

The majority of experts believe that a mask alone will not solve the problem, but a combination of measures can be effective. Specialists recommend “layering” protection:

1. If you have symptoms – stay at home.

2. Wash your hands more often.

3. Ventilate rooms.

4. If you’re going to see vulnerable people or into a crowd – wear a mask just in case.

Professor Paul Hunter pointed out: “We are not at the stage where masks need to be mandatory, but they really help protect you and others.”

Remember that the flu is not just a “winter cold.” For older adults, it can pose a serious health challenge.

As the number of flu cases rises rapidly, the practice of wearing masks and following hygiene measures can help slow the spread of the virus. As experts emphasize, it is important not to panic but to respond adequately to challenges, as health should always be a priority.