The NHS is facing significant pressure this winter due to one of the worst flu seasons in decades. The UK's Health Safety Agency has issued advice for people to wear a mask "when you are unwell and need to go out", to protect the most vulnerable[1]. Twelve health officials have publicly again urged people to wear masks to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses[1]. NHS chief executive Daniel Elkeles has recommended wearing masks on public transport similar to the covid pandemic due to the "very nasty strain of flu" now circulating in the UK[1]. The wearing of masks has become a politically sensitive issue during the covid pandemic, and the debate over their re-recommendation has sparked political differences[1]. Some prominent politicians, including Kemi Badenoch and Nigel Farage, have spoken out against this recommendation[1].