UK Hospitals Reintroduce Face Masks and Visitor Restrictions as Flu Cases Surge

Rising flu, COVID-19, and other winter illnesses have prompted NHS trusts to implement stricter measures to protect patients and staff.

NHS England reports a fourfold increase in flu hospitalizations over the past month, with an average of 4,469 patients daily, including 211 in critical care.
Multiple NHS trusts, including East Surrey, Shrewsbury and Telford, and Cambridge University Hospitals, have reinstated face mask requirements in clinical areas.
Visitor restrictions have been imposed in several hospitals, limiting access to essential visitors only, such as those for critical patients and birthing partners.
Health officials are urging the public to use alternative NHS services like 111 online for non-life-threatening conditions to reduce pressure on hospitals.
Authorities emphasize the importance of winter vaccinations to curb the spread of flu and other illnesses, as hospitals face significant strain during the peak winter period.