{"id":522850,"date":"2025-10-23T19:01:17","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T19:01:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/522850\/"},"modified":"2025-10-23T19:01:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T19:01:17","slug":"wear-a-mask-warning-issued-as-flu-cases-rise-earlier-than-expected-in-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/522850\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Wear a mask’ warning issued as flu cases rise earlier than expected in UK"},"content":{"rendered":"

Health bosses have said they will be monitoring the rise in flu cases closely<\/p>\n

17:13, 23 Oct 2025Updated 18:19, 23 Oct 2025<\/p>\n

\"Well-protectedCold and flu season is upon us(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Health officials are urging anyone with symptoms of winter viruses to “consider wearing a face covering” as flu cases rise across England.<\/p>\n

New figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) show that flu activity has increased and is now circulating above normal levels in some areas.<\/p>\n

Data indicates that flu levels are rising earlier than expected<\/a> in the season, with children and young adults being hit the hardest.<\/p>\n

The UKHSA is advising everyone over 65, pregnant, or in a high risk group to book their flu vaccine appointment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “This week’s data is showing a rise in positive tests for flu, particularly in children and younger adults, as well as an increase in GP and A&E attendances.<\/p>\n

“It is relatively early in the autumn to be seeing these increases and we will be monitoring this closely in the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

“It’s absolutely crucial that everyone eligible for a flu vaccine books their appointment \u2013 it could make all the difference in avoiding severe illness and hospitalisation.”<\/p>\n

\"aHealth experts have urged all those eligible for the flu vaccine this winter to get the jab(Image: PA)<\/p>\n

UKHSA data shows there has been a rise in emergency department visits for flu-like symptoms, and hospital admissions for flu are also creeping up, rising from 1.29 to 1.73 per 100,000 people in the past week.<\/p>\n

Other winter viruses are also on the rise<\/a>. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases have increased slightly, circulating at baseline levels, while levels of Covid<\/a> are slightly decreasing, circulating at medium levels, the UKHSA said.<\/p>\n

Dr Watson added: “It’s also important to remember the simple steps that we can all take to protect against respiratory illnesses. Anyone experiencing flu or COVID-19<\/a> symptoms, including high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, should try to minimise contact with others, particularly with those who may be vulnerable.<\/p>\n

“If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should consider wearing a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of these illnesses, as can ensuring that indoor areas are well ventilated.”<\/p>\n

\"AAnyone with cold, flu or Covid symptoms is urged to stay at home(Image: Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The UKHSA shared a checklist to help stop infections from spreading on X on Tuesday (October 21). It said:<\/p>\n