Brits urged to wear face masks as cold snap may make millions ill

The Met Office has issued snow and ice warnings after Storm Goretti, and health groups and a TikTok asthma sufferer have urged people — especially those with asthma — to wear face coverings and keep airways warm during the cold snap.

The Met Office has issued new snow and ice warnings for the UK after Storm Goretti. The cold snap is expected to continue through the weekend and into next week. Against that background, the article reports calls for face coverings and other measures to protect airways. A chronic asthma sufferer on TikTok shared personal tips aimed at reducing flare-ups during cold weather. What is known: - The Met Office issued new snow and ice warnings following Storm Goretti. - The cold spell is predicted to continue across the UK this weekend and into next week. - Asthma + Lung UK is reported to estimate about 7.2 million people in the UK have asthma, around 8% of the population. - A TikTok user called TheAsthmaInfluencer is reported to have advised covering the chest, monitoring peak flow, using spacers or nebulisers if available, and keeping airways warm; other sufferers described tighter chests since the snow. Summary: People with asthma are reported to be at higher risk of flare-ups in cold conditions, which could lead to more GP or hospital visits. The article notes charities and social media contributors are emphasising ways to keep airways warm and to monitor symptoms. Undetermined at this time.