The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is advising the public to consider wearing face masks as part of a broader strategy to combat the spread of multiple winter viruses currently circulating in the country.

Officials are expressing particular concern over influenza levels, as a mutated strain of the virus has triggered the flu season over a month earlier than usual this year.

Professor Nicola Lewis, director of the World Influenza Centre at the Francis Crick Institute, commented on the situation, stating, “We haven’t encountered a virus like this for some time; these dynamics are unusual.” She continued, “It does concern me, absolutely. I’m not panicking, but I am worried.”

In a recent post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the UKHSA emphasized the importance of taking measures to prevent common infections, such as the flu, from spreading.

The recommended precautions include regular handwashing, ensuring proper ventilation by opening windows when socializing indoors, and using tissues to catch coughs and sneezes.

Additionally, the UKHSA advises that if you feel unwell, it is best to stay at home if possible. Should you need to go out, wearing a mask is recommended.

According to the latest data, positive flu rates increased slightly in the seven days to Tuesday, November 25 – rising from 10.7% in the previous week to 11.6%.

Health chiefs said positivity rates were highest in children aged 5-14. 

Flu symptoms often come on quickly, and can include a sudden high temperature, body aches, a sore throat, a dry cough, fatigue, headaches, diarrhoea or stomach pain, feeling or being sick, loss of appetite and difficulty sleeping.

Children with flu may also suffer from earache and seem less active.