Anyone with these 3 symptoms urged to wear face masks to go out | UK | News

To minimize the spread of winter illnesses, anyone with three key symptoms is asked to wear a face mask when going out. Flu and Covid-19 become more common as people spend more time indoors during the cold months, and close contact makes it easier for the viruses to spread.

Latest data from the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) shows flu cases continue to rise in the UK following an early start to the season, with cases expected to accelerate further in the coming weeks, with flu usually peaking in the winter months. The UKHSA is now urging anyone who is over 65, pregnant or with certain long-term health conditions to get their flu vaccine to avoid becoming seriously ill from the virus.

Additionally, as an additional precaution, health officials recommend that anyone experiencing three significant flu or Covid-19 symptoms wear a face mask when going out to prevent spreading the virus to others. These symptoms include high fever, cough, and feeling tired or achy.

Of course, flu and Covid can also cause a much wider range of symptoms, including headaches, sore throat, loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea and nasal congestion or runny nose; Therefore, if you experience any of these it is worth minimizing contact with others and staying at home until you feel better.

In UKHSA’s latest winter surveillance bulletin, UKHSA consultant epidemiologist Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal said: “Flu continues to rise among young people despite the school half term break. We expect the holidays to give flu a ‘bump’ and ease the spread, but we now expect to see further increases as people return to school and work.

“As this upward trend continues, it is more important than ever for those eligible for a free flu jab to come forward. Vaccination remains the most effective way to protect yourself from serious illness and hospitalisation. Eligible groups can book appointments through the NHS national booking system and parents should ensure school consent forms are completed or GP appointments are made for young children.

“Anyone with flu or COVID-19 symptoms, including high fever, cough, fatigue or aches, should minimize contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you must go out with symptoms, consider wearing a face mask, wash your hands regularly and make sure indoor spaces are well ventilated.”

According to the NHS, the following 10 health conditions mean you’re eligible to get a free flu jab this year and need to make an appointment:

• Conditions that affect your breathing, such as asthma (requiring a steroid inhaler or tablet), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or cystic fibrosis
• Heart conditions such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
• chronic kidney disease
• liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
• Certain conditions that affect your brain or nerves, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, or cerebral palsy
• diabetes or Addison’s disease
• A weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV or AIDS or a treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medication
• problems with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or if you have had your spleen removed
• learning disability
• being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above

If you have a health condition not included in this list and you are unsure whether you are eligible for a flu jab, the NHS recommends contacting your doctor for a check.