‘Wear face mask if you feel ill’ public warned – as ‘superflu’ sweeps Britain and hospitals fill up

It should be law for any public facing role. If you’re sick, wear a mask. It’s not a big deal and makes so much difference. Anyone who complains is quite frankly selfish and pathetic for not being able to wear one.

Edit – seriously? Obviously there are some exceptions where people can ask to see mouths so they can lip read, or those with severe developmental disorders that mean keeping it on is too difficult. This ‘whataboutism’ is getting annoying.

I wore a mask to a carvery restaurant a couple of weeks ago because I didn’t want to spread my cold germs. Several people looked at me funny and one person said ‘what are you wearing that thing for?’.

So I fear that unfortunately some people won’t wear them for fear of ridicule or hostility from idiots

I woke up in the night feeling like crap. Feverish. Had the day off work and just laid in bed, congested, etc. Negative on Covid. I’ve had my flu jab. Feel a bit better now (thanks Sinu Tab) but yeah if I do go out at all I will be masking up. Someone gave it to me. I’d rather not give it to others.

I was at the children’s hospital with my niece for an appointment the other day, felt a bit sniffly so I put a mask on before we went inside. A parent sat next to me in the waiting room said, “you know you don’t HAVE to do that anymore”. I said that I know I don’t but i care about making people, particularly already sick children, ill if I can help it. The disgruntled and dare I say annoyed look I got in response really pissed me off. How are you angry that I’m not selfish?

My local big tesco doesn’t even sell them any more, I tried to buy them yesterday and they just don’t stock them. Absolutely abysmal.

Every year, the same story. Killer flu, everyone is in danger, hospitals are full, blah blah.

Yes. So it says get a flu vaccine , but if you are not eligible you have to pay for it. Sounds like being pennywise but poundfoolish.

Also stop fucking going out unnecessarily when you are sick, had a colleague come into the office all last week (some of us including him are hybrid workers and can choose to work completely remote if we want to) whilst sick as anything because he “liked being in the office” then on one of the days asked if people wanted to go to the pub, 2 people ended up sick with the same thing this week, one of them has a pregnant wife at home, its selfish af

I wish the press wouldn’t use inaccurate headlines. The UKSHA is actually warning people to stay home if they feel ill. The “wear a mask” bit is only if those people absolutely have to go out (presumably to a chemist, or their GP, which makes complete sense).

At least they’ve quoted UKHSA’s Dr Bernal outlining the advice, though right at the bottom of the article.

Here’s UKHSA’s own announcement: https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/12/02/how-to-avoid-catching-flu-covid-19-and-other-respiratory-illnesses-this-winter/

I don’t tend to wear masks anymore but I do practice basic hygiene. If I have a cough I’ll constantly have a lozenge and a drink so I don’t cough near others, if I’m sneezing I’ll carry hand sanitiser, etc. I wouldn’t mind wearing masks but I haven’t actually gone out of my way to buy them (maybe I will now).

I also keep my distance from people as much as possible and warn people if I’m ill ahead of time if I absolutely have to go out with other people

Overheard a women talking to a coworker about how shes ill and was going to wear a facemask but then said no one does that anymore so she won’t bother. Like the facemask isn’t for you to feel better…

My son and I had the flu a couple of weeks ago. He had to be seen by the GP and in A&E and so I had a mask on the entire time to avoid spreading it to anyone, the looks I got were insane!

This should just be the default, if you’re ill, wear a mask. If you think it’s a waste of time or doesn’t do anything, next time you’re at the doctors, ask them to take their mask and gloves off too.