Doctors Warn of Severe Flu Outbreak, Urge Vaccination Ahead of Winter

As of November 15th, 2025, health experts are urgently warning the public about the potential for a severe flu outbreak this winter. Hospital admissions for the H3N2 strain have already started rising, reaching levels typically not seen until December.

The NHS is bracing for a difficult winter season, concerned that many of the most vulnerable individuals may not have received their flu vaccine yet. Doctor Hilary Jones has explained that the current dominant H3N2 strain has developed seven mutations over the summer, meaning those who got vaccinated last year may not be adequately protected.

In response, the NHS has launched an "SOS campaign" to encourage people to get their flu shots, making 2.4 million vaccination appointments available next week across the country. Experts emphasize that flu is "much, much worse" than a bad cold, and can leave people bedridden for at least a week. Last year, there were 70,000 excess deaths due to flu in Europe, including 7,500 in the UK and 53 children.

With flu cases already triple what they were this time last year, public health officials are urging everyone eligible to take advantage of the vaccination slots being offered. Getting immunized is described as the "best way" to prevent serious illness from the rapidly mutating flu virus.