‘It’s hardly an inconvenience’: your views on wearing a mask to combat flu

The number of patients in hospital with flu in England has reached a record high for this time of year. The latest data puts the daily average at 1,717, with 69 in critical care.

Speaking to Times Radio this week, Daniel Elkeles of NHS Providers, which represents health trusts, said anyone with flu or cold symptoms “must” wear a mask in public.

However, Downing Street said only that wearing a mask to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness was “something people can consider”.

We asked people their views on wearing a face covering and what they thought of the conflicting guidance.

‘I wouldn’t wish to inflict what I had on others’

I had what I believe is flu a week ago. I couldn’t get out of bed for two days and slept solidly during that time. I had a dreadful hacking cough, which turned into a respiratory infection requiring antibiotics. I had to go to my GP to get antibiotics and wore a face mask in the surgery. I did not travel by public transport. I was too ill to do that in any event. I also had to attend the surgery on another health-related issue and again wore a mask going to and from the surgery.

I would not wish to inflict what I underwent on others. Two weeks on, I’m still not back to my previous level of health: it really knocked me for six and has affected my energy levels. I had the flu jab this year, but didn’t qualify for a Covid jab.

I consider it extremely selfish of those who do not consider wearing a mask to protect others. Linda, semi-retired charity worker, London

‘Some co-workers express gratitude’

Colds and flus are, at best, miserable. To try to spare strangers seems like basic good manners. I have no qualms donning a mask when I find myself coughing or sneezing and I’m in close proximity to others, either at work or on public transport. I think many people would agree that it’s revolting to be trapped close to a hacking, oozing stranger. I’ve never had a negative reaction from someone else for wearing a mask when mildly unwell – some co-workers even express gratitude. Emilia, 31, researcher, Durham

‘It’s hardly a big inconvenience’

I would definitely wear a mask to prevent the spread. I have done and will continue to. I had flu a couple of months ago, and I wore a mask in the supermarket. I got some looks, and people were keeping their distance, but that’s sort of the desired effect, it’s saying, “don’t get too close”. It’s hardly a big inconvenience. I wear glasses, so they do fog up if I’m wearing a mask, but I’d prefer that to being ill.

In the Covid years, we all wore masks regularly, and if someone in our family was ill, we didn’t meet up. We didn’t get any colds or flu for about two years. I think it speaks for itself.

I find it very inconsiderate if people come to work with a cold or flu and share it around. I think it should also be more socially acceptable to wear a mask in the context of an office. Hazel, 40, health worker, Belfast

‘Reducing the spread of a virus should not become such a controversial topic again’

I see no issue with wearing a mask – it’s a minor inconvenience, and I do not get the drama. I am a surgeon and routinely wear a mask to protect myself and my patients at work. Wearing a mask in crowded spaces when viral infections are circulating is a no-brainer.

My main concern is that people (and the media!) are making this into much more than it needs to be. Reducing the spread of a virus should not become such a controversial topic again – wash your hands, stay at home if you’re ill, and wear a mask rather than spreading the virus to others. Kat, surgeon, Oxfordshire

‘People should stay at home when they’re ill’

I did wear a mask in the Covid pandemic because everyone did. But I think it looks creepy and would not want to otherwise. I hate people who go to work sneezing and coughing. They should get over thinking they are indispensable and stay at home. Heinz, semi-retired architect, London

‘Severe sensory issues mean I cannot wear a mask’

I am autistic with severe sensory issues, which make it impossible for me to cover my face. I get vaccinated, but I cannot wear a mask and am against it. Autistic people’s needs are not considered. Mary, retired professional, north of England

‘We have become a nation of germaphobes’

Since Covid, there’s an obsession with living in a completely sanitised world. We have become a nation of germaphobes. You have to eat a speck of dirt before you die, as my nan was fond of saying.

I am concerned that people are compromising their own healthy immune systems with multiple vaccines, constant mask wearing and hand sanitiser. How on earth did we cope in winters gone by? The answer is, we coped. Benjamin, hospital porter, Birmingham

‘I am concerned that we have learned nothing from Covid’

I have been wearing either an FFP2 or FFP3 respirator mask in public spaces since I found out about them in 2022. They protect the user a lot better than surgical or cloth masks do. Other people definitely look at me funny; I’ve had a few comments and been deliberately coughed at.

I have been following the science and actually upgraded my masking. I hold a relevant degree that helps me decipher the information, but I do think it is confusing for the general public. People are given flimsy advice with suggested behaviour changes rather than explicitly explaining why and what they should do.

My main concern is why we have learned nothing from Covid and refuse to do anything to stop the spread of preventable diseases. I am also concerned that mask wearing and disease prevention measures have been highly politicised, and people believe so many myths that they will simply refuse to do anything, ever. Ellen, 24, trainee accountant, Bedfordshire

‘Wearing of masks has limited effect’

I have had the flu vaccine this year, as I did when I used to work as a mental health nurse. I think that vaccination is better than masks for those who are vulnerable and to groups that are likely to have regular contact with flu sufferers, such as healthcare workers. As for the public, the wearing of masks has limited effect, especially when you see people wearing them outside, incorrectly or reusing masks. Correct FP3 masks, as used on the wards during the pandemic, are the most effective.

Natural resistance and vaccination will be the best way to reduce the numbers of cases. Mask wearing, particularly if it were to become mandatory, feels unnecessary, except to reduce the risk to the vulnerable groups in healthcare settings. Alex Chesterton, 57, retired mental health nurse, Somerset

‘It helps prevent the spread of germs’

‘Wearing a face covering, even if I feel healthy, helps prevent the spread of germs. It doesn’t impact my life in any way and reduces the likelihood of illnesses being spread in enclosed areas; why would I not? There’s no difference in my mind between this and washing your hands after you’ve been to the loo. Kat, 36, IT worker, Newcastle