Face masks could return as health officials issue fresh advice over 'tidal wave' of illness

Hospitals are now treating 10 times more flu patients than they were at this point two years ago.

It comes as health chiefs warn the NHS is facing a "tidal wave" of illness in the lead up to Christmas, with cases reaching the highest on record for this time of year.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, a consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, warned: "We expect to see these viruses circulating more widely in the lead-up to Christmas and more people getting sick, threatening a potential peak over the festive period and into the New Year."

Officials say a properly fitted mask can cut down on the virus particles released when someone with a respiratory infection breathes, talks or coughs.

Some NHS trusts have gone further, bringing in compulsory mask-wearing in certain areas.

In London, Whittington Health NHS Trust has told visitors: "You must wear a mask when visiting our Emergency Department, some of our wards, and other clinical areas where the risk is high."

United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals requires face coverings in high-risk zones across Lincoln County, Grantham, Boston Pilgrim and Louth County hospitals.

Over in Shropshire, the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust wants masks worn in emergency departments, cancer wards and neonatal units.

Salisbury District Hospital introduced similar measures on Thursday, calling it a "temporary, risk-based precaution".

In Scotland, NHS Forth Valley has brought in visiting restrictions and mask rules, while in Wales, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has made masks compulsory until January 12, 2026.

The culprit behind this surge appears to be a mutated version of the influenza A (H3N2) strain, nicknamed "subclade K".

Like all viruses, it's evolved to survive – and that's likely helping it dodge the immunity people have built up from past infections or jabs.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr Thomas Waite explained on Thursday that the strain had "drifted a little this year, which is one of the reasons more people are susceptible to it".

Older people are bearing the brunt of it all. Hospital admission rates for over-85s have doubled in just a week, with an average of 1,717 patients admitted daily last week – the highest on record for this time of year.

Dr Bernal urged those eligible for flu vaccinations to act fast: "Now is your last chance if eligible to help get protected before Christmas."

The NHS chief, Sir Jim Mackey has warned that the health service faces pressures that "in a lot of ways will be like the Covid period".

He believes it's "reasonable to assume" flu patients will occupy between 5,000 and 8,000 hospital beds daily by next week – well above last January's peak of 5,408.

England's Chief Medical Officer Prof Sir Chris Whitty stressed on Thursday that the NHS must take infections in older people "much more seriously", noting flu is "ramping up" with a significant impact on the elderly.

Sir Chris also pointed out that flu jabs aren't as effective as Covid vaccines, meaning people can still catch flu even after being vaccinated.