What is the concerning flu strain that Professor Adam Finn is warning about?

The concerning flu strain is the H3N2 strain, which has developed several new mutations over the summer.

How does the early start of this year's flu season impact the situation?

The early start of the flu season is worrying because it has not left enough time for many people to get vaccinated before the peak of infections in December and January.

What is Professor Finn's advice for the public to tackle the potentially severe flu season?

Professor Finn 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.

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

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

11 Nov

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Summary

Flu season started earlier than usual, suggesting easier virus spread
Concerning H3N2 strain has developed worrying mutations
Vaccine may provide limited protection against new strain

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.