Mutated Flu Strain Threatens UK: Doctor Warns of 'Very Bad' Winter

As of November 11th, 2025, a leading UK doctor has sounded the alarm about a concerning flu outbreak that could make this winter a particularly difficult one. Professor Adam Finn, a Professor of Paediatrics at the University of Bristol, has warned that the flu season has started earlier than usual, which is a worrying sign.

According to Finn, the strain that is currently circulating, known as H3N2, has developed several new mutations over the summer. This means that the immunity provided by previous infections and vaccinations may not be as effective against this new, more efficient strain. Finn explains that when a completely novel flu strain emerges, it can lead to a pandemic, with large waves of infection occurring at any time of the year. While the current H3N2 strain is not entirely new, its mutations have made it more capable of spreading.

The early start to the flu season is also problematic because it has not left enough time for many people to get vaccinated. Finn notes that the children's vaccination program began in September, and the adult program in October, with November typically being a busy month for flu shots before the peak of infections in December and January.

Despite the concerning developments, Finn believes the current vaccines should still provide some level of protection against the new H3N2 strain, as well as other flu strains that may emerge later in the winter. He emphasizes that the best thing people can do right now is to get vaccinated as soon as possible to help tackle the potentially severe flu season ahead.