Hospitals across Hampshire are urging staff, patients and visitors to wear face masks as flu levels continue to rise sharply across the region.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs hospitals in Andover, Basingstoke and Winchester, confirmed today, Friday, December 12, that it has updated its mask-wearing guidance.

The move follows a week in which several NHS trusts across the county brought back mask rules to help reduce the growing number of flu cases, driven by a mutant flu strain known as H3N2.

According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), flu symptoms develop very quickly and often include extreme tiredness. This is different from cold symptoms, which tend to appear more gradually.

The symptoms and severity of H3N2 illness have been similar to seasonal flu, with fever, cough, runny nose and, in some cases, body aches, vomiting or diarrhoea.

According to NHS leaders, the number of flu patients admitted to hospital across the South West has risen by 76 per cent in the past week.

The first trust to act was Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, which introduced mask use on Tuesday, December 9, at its sites, including Aldershot Centre, Farnham Hospital and Fleet Hospital.

The trust said the number of patients with flu had doubled over the previous two weeks, with outbreaks on wards and a “particularly virulent” dominant strain circulating.

Masks and hand sanitiser are now available on every ward at Frimley Park and Wexham Park hospitals, and staff working in clinical areas are required to wear fluid-resistant surgical masks to protect themselves, patients and visitors.

Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust brought in similar measures on November 11, asking visitors to wear face masks in some areas of Queen Alexandra Hospital after a rise in respiratory illnesses, including flu and norovirus.

Masks are currently encouraged in:

Following today’s confirmation, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has now implemented its own mask-wearing measures across specific hospital areas to protect patients, visitors and staff.

Masks are required for staff and visitors in:

Simon Bryant, Director of Public Health for Hampshire County Council, said decisions regarding infection-control measures, including mask use, are made by individual NHS trusts.

Mr Bryant added: “By taking simple steps you can help protect yourself, family and friends from flu.

“If you have flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, cough or feeling tired and achy – limit contact with others, especially those at higher risk.

“Wash your hands regularly, keep indoor spaces well-ventilated and if you need to go out while unwell, consider wearing a face mask.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Health Trust, which runs sites including Alton Community Hospital, Andover War Memorial Hospital, Chase Community Hospital, Fareham Community Hospital and Gosport War Memorial Hospital, has not yet indicated whether it plans to introduce mask-wearing measures.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust has also not announced any changes.