UK Hospitals Reinstate Masks Amid Flu Surge

Several hospitals across the United Kingdom have reinstated or encouraged mask-wearing policies for staff, patients and visitors in response to a sharp increase in flu cases this season. The measures, announced in recent days by multiple National Health Service trusts, aim to protect vulnerable individuals amid an early and intense outbreak driven by the H3N2 influenza strain.

In southern England, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Wexham Park Hospital in Slough, Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot and Frimley Park Hospital near Camberley, reported that flu patients have doubled over the past two weeks, with outbreaks confirmed on several wards. The trust began requiring fluid-resistant surgical masks for staff on clinical wards and urging patients and visitors to wear them starting this week. Masks are provided at entrances and clinical areas, and additional hand gel dispensers have been installed. Dr. Gareth Roberts, a respiratory consultant at the trust, stated, "We are always expecting an increase in flu numbers at this time of year but it has become more of an issue over the last couple of weeks. Over the hospital sites we are asking all of our staff and...