‘Wear a mask’ if you’re struck by key Covid and flu symptoms, public warned

ILL Brits ought to put on face masks in the event that they’re going exterior , well being officers have mentioned.

Individuals struggling with flu or Covid signs ought to don a face protecting when leaving their properties, in line with the UK Well being Safety Company.

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Regardless of circumstances of each winter viruses falling within the week as much as February 19 in England, well being bosses are re-emphasising the steering paying homage to pandemic instances.

Dr Mary Ramsay, of the UKHSA, mentioned: “We proceed to see a lower in flu and Covid-19 exercise on this week’s information, however persons are nonetheless getting severely in poor health from these viruses.

“We are able to all assist to stop the unfold of viruses like flu and Covid-19.

“If you’re displaying signs like a excessive temperature, cough, and feeling drained and achy, attempt to restrict your contact with others, particularly those that are weak. 

“For those who do have to exit, take into account carrying a masks.”

UKHSA figures present the proportion of individuals with flu signs that examined constructive fell from 10.2 per cent the earlier week to 7.4 per cent in the latest seven days.

Covid positivity fell from 5 per cent to 4.3 per cent throughout the identical interval.

Nonetheless, circumstances of the winter vomiting bug norovirus stay excessive and have been 15 per cent above the identical two-week interval final yr.

Amy Douglas, of the UKHSA, mentioned: “Studies of norovirus have decreased in latest weeks however nonetheless stay excessive. 

“Norovirus signs embody nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea however may embody a excessive temperature, stomach ache and aching limbs. 

“Norovirus might trigger dehydration, particularly in weak teams resembling younger kids and older or immunocompromised folks.

“So if you happen to do get in poor health it is very important drink loads of fluids throughout that point.”

Winter bugs and diseases together with flu are nonetheless placing providers below pressure

Adam BrimelowNHS Suppliers

Separate figures from NHS England present there have been a median of 1,837 sufferers in hospital with flu every day final week.

It was greater than 3 times increased than the 518 recorded in the identical week final yr.

There have been 469 sufferers in hospital with norovirus every day final week, and a couple of,276 sufferers with Covid-19.

NHS nationwide medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis, mentioned: “These figures present that hardworking NHS workers are nonetheless dealing with vital strain from winter viruses.”

Adam Brimelow, of NHS Suppliers, mentioned: “Fixed strain means it’s been one other powerful and busy winter for the NHS.

“Week after week workers pull out all of the stops to see sufferers as rapidly as potential within the face of a ‘capability crunch’ as big demand continues to outstrip sources.

“Winter bugs and diseases together with flu are nonetheless placing providers below pressure whereas workers proceed to work laborious to cut back the longest waits for care and make vital inroads to general ready lists.”