NHS doctor and regular BBC guest star Dr Punam has shared a warning about a flu variant that appears to be more severe for children than strains seen in previous years. Speaking on BBC Morning Live on Friday, she explained why many in the medical field are paying close attention to the current flu season.Dr Punam noted that people often brush off flu concerns, but this winter is prompting far more worry. She pointed out that the rise in cases normally appears toward the end of November. This year, however, the surge began in early October. According to her, this has left many people without adequate protection, as recent NHS vaccination drives have tended to start later in the year.She repeated that the early spike is unusual and has added to concerns. She also highlighted that a new form of the virus has now appeared. She said the usual strain has undergone a mutation during the summer. Health services look to Australia each year for early signs, and their winter season has been especially harsh, giving the UK a strong indication of what may come.What Is The New Flu Strain Spreading in UK?The current form of H3N2 is moving quickly across several regions. Dr. Wenqing Zhang, who leads the World Health Organization’s Global Respiratory Threats Unit, said at a recent media briefing that it has begun to dominate in a number of Northern Hemisphere countries.James Mackey, head of the U.K.’s National Health Service, added that this winter may be one of the most demanding periods staff have ever handled. Experts do not see this as a situation on the level of a pandemic, but it still poses notable risks for older adults and those who already live with health conditions.The doctor strongly encouraged eligible groups to get their flu vaccinations without delay. She also stressed that the new strain could be more damaging for children than those seen previously. The children’s flu vaccine is available for those aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children from Reception to Year 11, and children with certain chronic conditions. If a child has missed their scheduled dose, parents can book a free NHS appointment through a pharmacy or the NHS App.Who Is Eligible For A Free NHS Flu Jab This Autumn And Winter?Pregnant womenAll children who were aged 2 or 3 years on August 31, 2025Children with certain long-term health conditions (aged 6 months to under 18 years)Primary school aged children (Reception to Year 6)Secondary school aged children (Year 7 to Year 11)All children in clinical risk groups aged 6 months to under 18 yearsEveryone aged 65 and olderAdults aged 18 to under 65 with certain long-term conditionsResidents in care homesCarers receiving Carer’s Allowance or those who support an older or disabled personPeople living with someone who has a weakened immune systemFrontline health and social care workersWill This Year’s Flu Shot Be Helpful?Every February, global health agencies and vaccine manufacturers identify which strains to include in the flu shot for the Northern Hemisphere by studying the patterns seen in the Southern Hemisphere. This year’s vaccine covers three types of influenza, including two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain.The flu shot does not completely stop infection, but it helps reduce how sick a person becomes. Last year’s dose was up to 55 percent effective at keeping adults with flu out of the hospital.This week, UK health officials released early data showing that the current vaccine may lower the risk of hospitalization among adults by up to 40 percent.
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