As the UK faces a notable surge in flu cases, health officials are once again recommending that the public consider wearing masks, especially those who show symptoms.
This suggestion doesn’t entail a national requirement, but it reflects the escalating concerns within the NHS regarding increasing hospital admissions. So, what do we know about how effective masks really are? And how should we be using them?
What is the guidance?
The UK Health Security Agency advises that individuals displaying flu-like symptoms should remain at home. If it’s necessary to go out, they should wear a mask.
Additionally, there’s a recommendation to get vaccinated if eligible, to open windows for fresh air during indoor gatherings—if the weather allows—and to maintain good hygiene. This includes sneezing or coughing into a bent elbow or using a tissue that should be disposed of promptly. Regular hand washing with warm water and soap is also encouraged, along with cleaning frequently touched surfaces, like door handles.
Several hospital trusts have reintroduced mask mandates for staff, patients, and visitors in clinical areas. Some NHS leaders have urged that those showing symptoms “must” wear masks, though the official guidance remains non-compulsory.
Do masks protect individuals?
Research indicates that masks can provide significant protection, although their effectiveness largely depends on the type of mask and how it’s used.
Respirators, such as N95 or FFP2 masks, offer the best protection by filtering out a large percentage of airborne particles when correctly fitted. Surgical masks diminish exposure to droplets and aerosols but are mainly designed to control the source—preventing the wearer from spreading large droplets. Homemade cloth masks likely fall short in their effectiveness.
Overall, evidence supports that proper use of masks is associated with lower transmission rates of respiratory viruses.
For example, a meta-analysis published in the journal Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness in 2023 analyzed seven prior studies, concluding that wearing masks in community settings led to a 17% reduction in the risk of “influenza-like illness.”
Protection appears to be enhanced when masks are used consistently alongside other preventive measures like handwashing.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, wearing masks became more common in the UK, where they had previously been unusual, even during serious flu seasons. A review of studies conducted during the pandemic suggested that masks did help lower Covid infection rates, although most studies had low quality, according to Wanderley Marques Bernardo from the Brazilian Medical Association.
Do mandates work?
The evidence on this front is not so straightforward. Mandating masks only works if the public adheres to the regulations. A meta-study released last year in Clinical Microbiology Reviews indicated that mandates can help reduce infections, though effectiveness varies based on mask quality and usage. The study also highlighted that masks typically pose no harm to the general population but noted that certain groups, particularly the deaf, may face challenges when others wear masks.
At this point, government officials don’t seem inclined to implement broad legal mandates, focusing instead on voluntary measures and personal responsibility.
What type of mask should you use?
For individual protection, N95 or FFP2 masks are considered the best option. Surgical masks may offer less protection but tend to be more comfortable for prolonged use.
How to wear a mask properly?
A well-fitted mask significantly enhances effectiveness. Hands should be washed thoroughly before donning a mask, which should cover both the nose and mouth without any gaps on the sides. It’s best to avoid touching the front while wearing it, and disposable masks should be thrown away after use. Remove masks by grasping the straps, not the front of the mask.
