People experiencing flu or cold symptoms should wear a mask in public places as the UK grapples with a “tidal wave” of illness, an NHS leader has said.

Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers which represents NHS trusts, said the country is seeing a “very nasty strain of flu” that has occurred earlier in the year than normal.

“So children are still at school, it’s warm and wet, so it’s perfect flu-spreading conditions,” he told Times Radio.

“When you were talking about anything like Covid, I think we need to get back into the habit that if you are coughing and sneezing, but you’re not unwell enough to not go to work, then you must wear a mask when you’re in public spaces, including on public transport to stop the chances of you giving your virus to somebody else.

“And we were

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