Marek Studzinski on Unsplash" />Woman wearing medical face mask.

The NHS is facing an “unprecedented wave” of flu cases with an average of 2,660 patients a day in hospital with flu in England last week – a huge increase of 55% compared to the week before.

While having the flu is never pleasant, this particular wave is a rough one, which is why some health experts are now recommending for people to wear face masks once again.

Speaking to Times Radio this week, Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts, said the country was facing a “very nasty strain of flu” and went as far as suggesting that face coverings should be worn on public transport, as we did during the Covid pandemic.

He said: “When you were talking about anything like Covid, I think we need to get back into the habit that if you are coughing and sneezing, but you’re not unwell enough to not go to work, then you must wear a mask when you’re in public spaces, including on public transport, to stop the chances of you giving your virus to somebody else.”

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