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UK Government Issues 'Wear Face Masks' Update as H3N2 Flu Strain Spreads
NHS leaders warn of an early flu surge with hospital admissions 56% higher than last year and urge symptomatic individuals to wear masks to reduce transmission.
- On December 9, 2025, NHS leaders urged people with flu- or cold-like symptoms to wear facemasks in public places and workplaces.
- Amid an earlier-than-normal season, Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, warned the flu surge in England is driven by a dominant H3N2 'subclade K' virus spreading easily.
- Last week, UKHSA data show lab positivity rose to 17.1 from 11.6, and hospital admissions increased to 7.79 per 100,000 from 4.78, with an average of 1,717 beds occupied by flu patients.
- Some hospitals, including University Hospital of North Tees and James Cook University Hospital, have reinstated mask guidance, St Martin’s School, Caerphilly closed last week after over 250 fell ill, and the NHS vaccination programme has delivered almost 17 million flu jabs.
- Downing Street said long-standing guidance is 'something people can consider' while NHS offers flu vaccines through March 31, 2026, with online booking closing on 30 March 2026.
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left0Leaning Right1Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution88% Center
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- 88% of the sources are Center
88% Center
C 88%
12%
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