Face masks to be worn in hospitals due to flu rise

Staff, patients and visitors to some hospitals have been asked to wear face masks due to high levels of flu and other respiratory illnesses in the community.

Royal United Hospital (RUH) Bath, Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal hospitals have asked for masks to be worn in various departments, including A&E. Hospitals in Wiltshire also introduced masks last week.

It comes as the number of flu patients in hospital has hit a record high in England for this time of year, with NHS leaders warning the country is facing an unprecedented flu season.

"While the numbers we're seeing are higher for this time of year they are not high for a normal flu season," said virologist Dr Chris Smith.

"It does happen but most of the time it happens in late-December or early-January," he added. "But this year we have got the season starting a bit earlier."

He said cold weather and a different strain of flu to last season are partly behind the high number of cases.

"We've got more people that are more vulnerable and a colder snap kicking in has made it take off a bit faster," he added.

Flu cases are 50% higher now than they were at this time in 2024. But while the season has started earlier, it is not easy to tell whether that will correspond to an earlier end to the season next year.

Masks will be provided at the entrance to all hospitals requiring them and only those able to wear them will have to.

Dr Smith joined the hospitals in asking anyone with signs of illness to stay at home rather than visit loved-ones in hospital.

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