With the current circulation of a ‘superflu’ that leaves people incapacitated for weeks, coupled with the ongoing threat of Covid and other viruses, concerns are rising about unwell individuals using public transport and potentially spreading infections.
In response to this, one woman has shared some « controversial » advice for those who find themselves feeling unwell but still need to go to work, run errands or do their weekly shopping.
Nyomi, a mum who shares content on TikTok under the handle @nomipalony, posted a video captioned: « Why I think you should wear a face covering in public if you’re sick (and you can). I don’t think this should be controversial, but I bet it is! »
She advocates for wearing a face covering when unwell and needing to go out, aligning with current NHS guidelines.
Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts, echoed this sentiment during an interview with Times Radio. He stated that individuals exhibiting « nasty flu » symptoms « must » wear a face covering when venturing out in public.
Nyomi emphasised that wearing a face mask is the « bare minimum » someone can do to protect others if they’re not feeling well. She added that as long as efforts are made to safeguard others, individuals can still carry out necessary tasks.
« You just don’t know what people have got going on in their lives, like they could be immunocompromised, even if they’ve got nothing, it just sucks to be sick, » she continued.
Nyomi added: « If everybody did this, then we’d have so much less sickness in society. I just think it’s a really easy thing to do ».
She also observed that it was « courteous » in other nations to do this, whereas in the UK, people regard her as though she’s « lost her mind, » and she wanted that to change.
In the comments, there were plenty of people who agreed with Nyomi. One wrote: « Couldn’t agree with you more. We have become horribly selfish, profoundly opinionated and judgmental. I would be so grateful for your consideration ».
Meanwhile, another said: « I can’t believe we are even having to have this conversation post-Covid! Mask up!! »
Last week saw an average of 2,660 patients per day in hospital with flu, marking the highest figure on record for this time of year and representing a 55% increase from the previous week.
This is equivalent to enough flu patients each day to fill more than three entire hospital trusts. NHS leaders have cautioned that the total has already risen sharply since the week covered by the data, with no peak in sight.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is now urging anyone feeling unwell to stay at home where possible, and to « wear a mask if you need to go out ».
