Health and Me

Itisha Arya

After ‘Super Flu’ Surge, Doctors Flag Four Diseases Causing Most Concern Across The UK

new diseases across uk

The UK is slowly emerging from a widespread outbreak of so-called “super flu” that has pushed hospital admissions for influenza to record highs for this point in the year. The scale of the outbreak has prompted serious concern within the NHS, with National Medical Director Professor Meghana Pandit describing the situation as a potential “worst-case scenario for this time of year”.

Even as flu cases continue to circulate, health specialists are cautioning that other diseases could gain ground in 2026 and may carry pandemic potential. Experts say a combination of falling vaccination rates, emerging virus mutations and rising food insecurity could create the conditions for further large-scale outbreaks. Below is a closer look at the diseases spreading in the UK that doctors believe could pose serious risks in the coming year.

<h2>Falling Vaccinations Raise Alarm Over Preventable Diseases</h2>

Influenza, <span>rubella</span> and mpox are among the infections doctors are most concerned about heading into 2026. Data shows childhood vaccination uptake fell to its lowest level in 15 years earlier in 2025. This drop has already had visible effects, with measles outbreaks reported across parts of England, largely among unvaccinated children under the age of 11.

Experts warn that rubella, once nearly eliminated in the UK, could return due to reduced uptake of the MMR vaccine. Sometimes called a Victorian-era disease, rubella has remained rare for decades, but falling immunity levels may allow it to resurface, as per Mirror.

At the same time, health officials are closely monitoring a recombinant strain of mpox that has raised global concern. The mutated virus is spreading internationally, increasing fears that further variants could develop.

Beyond specific infections, researchers also point to food insecurity as a growing and often overlooked threat to public health. Malnutrition weakens immune systems and leaves populations more vulnerable to infectious disease, according to Jess Boxall, Research Fellow in Public Health and Nutrition at the University of Southampton.

She told the Mirror that research conducted in rural Ghana found many people were unable to access a varied diet essential for good health and immunity. In some communities, up to 90 percent of households were food insecure. Globally, around one in three people face food insecurity, including roughly 11 percent of households in the UK, showing that the issue affects both developing and wealthy nations.

A new strain of the mpox virus was identified in the UK earlier this month, with health officials warning that it has the potential to cause severe illness.

Previously known as monkeypox, the virus belongs to the same family as smallpox and spreads through close physical contact, as well as coughing and sneezing. The latest mutation is a blend of two previously recognised strains and has been described by doctors as exactly the type of development experts feared. The case was detected in someone who had recently returned to the UK from Asia.

Dr Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, said the disease was once considered rare but has become increasingly common following repeated outbreaks worldwide.

“Mpox outbreaks continue in many countries, including parts of Europe such as Spain,” he told the Mirror. “New strains are emerging, and it is becoming clear that a virus which was once very uncommon is now likely to remain with us globally.”

Symptoms: Headache, muscle pain and extreme tiredness, followed by a distinctive rash that forms spots, crusts over and eventually falls away.

Vaccination rates among children in the UK have dropped sharply, reaching a 15-year low in 2015. According to Dr Head, the rise of anti-vaccine sentiment could contribute to a resurgence of rubella.

Rubella, also known as German measles, has been close to eradication in Britain for many years. It is the “R” component of the MMR vaccine, which has played a key role in keeping case numbers extremely low.

“Annual rubella cases in the UK are usually in single digits and sometimes there are none at all,” Dr Head said. “It has effectively been removed as a major public health issue.

“However, with reduced uptake of the MMR vaccine, there is a real risk that rubella could reappear. While the infection is usually mild, it can be extremely dangerous for pregnant women. If infection occurs early in pregnancy, there is around a 90 percent risk of congenital rubella syndrome.” This condition can cause severe birth defects, including brain damage, vision problems and hearing loss. Dr Head stressed that the rubella element of the MMR vaccine is vital in preventing these outcomes.

Symptoms: Fever, swollen glands and headaches, followed by a red, spotty rash that begins on the face and spreads across the body.

The UK has experienced an unusually early and severe flu season this year, with several NHS Trusts placed on high alert. Hospital admissions linked to “super flu” remain at record levels for this time of year, according to the latest NHS data.

Although influenza is a familiar illness, experts say it is currently one of the most concerning threats. Professor Paul Hunter, a medicine specialist at the University of East Anglia, said recent trends abroad suggest the UK could face ongoing pressure.

“The major concern right now is influenza,” he told the Mirror. “Australia has just experienced its worst flu season in years, and the UK often follows a similar pattern.”

Health authorities have also flagged the rapid spread of a new influenza subvariant known as subclade K, which has become the dominant strain across the country. This strain belongs to the H3N2 subtype, one of the three main viruses responsible for seasonal flu.

With hospitals already under strain from early flu cases, the UK Health Security Agency is urging everyone eligible to receive a flu vaccination as soon as possible.

Symptoms: High temperature, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue and in some cases vomiting or diarrhoea.

Doctors are also keeping a close watch on the threat known as Disease X as the world moves into 2026. Disease X is not a specific illness but a term used to describe a future, currently unknown infection that could cause widespread outbreaks or a global pandemic.

Dr Head has previously warned that the possibility of an unidentified virus or bacterial infection is very real, and that governments must be prepared. “Disease X refers to an as-yet-unknown pathogen with the potential to cause large outbreaks or even a pandemic,” he told the Mirror. “It could spread rapidly and have a high death rate, similar to what we saw with COVID-19.

Symptoms: These would depend entirely on the nature of the organism. A respiratory virus could lead to coughing and breathing difficulties, while a bacterial infection might cause symptoms more similar to a stomach bug.

Health Conditions A-Z

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The UK is slowly emerging from a widespread outbreak of so-called “super flu” that has pushed hospital admissions for influenza to record highs for this point in the year. The scale of the outbreak has prompted serious concern within the NHS, with National Medical Director Professor Meghana Pandit describing the situation as a potential “worst-case scenario for this time of year”.Even as flu cases continue to circulate, health specialists are cautioning that other diseases could gain ground in 2026 and may carry pandemic potential. Experts say a combination of falling vaccination rates, emerging virus mutations and rising food insecurity could create the conditions for further large-scale outbreaks. Below is a closer look at the diseases spreading in the UK that doctors believe could pose serious risks in the coming year.Falling Vaccinations Raise Alarm Over Preventable DiseasesInfluenza, rubella and mpox are among the infections doctors are most concerned about heading into 2026. Data shows childhood vaccination uptake fell to its lowest level in 15 years earlier in 2025. This drop has already had visible effects, with measles outbreaks reported across parts of England, largely among unvaccinated children under the age of 11.Experts warn that rubella, once nearly eliminated in the UK, could return due to reduced uptake of the MMR vaccine. Sometimes called a Victorian-era disease, rubella has remained rare for decades, but falling immunity levels may allow it to resurface, as per Mirror.At the same time, health officials are closely monitoring a recombinant strain of mpox that has raised global concern. The mutated virus is spreading internationally, increasing fears that further variants could develop.Beyond specific infections, researchers also point to food insecurity as a growing and often overlooked threat to public health. Malnutrition weakens immune systems and leaves populations more vulnerable to infectious disease, according to Jess Boxall, Research Fellow in Public Health and Nutrition at the University of Southampton.She told the Mirror that research conducted in rural Ghana found many people were unable to access a varied diet essential for good health and immunity. In some communities, up to 90 percent of households were food insecure. Globally, around one in three people face food insecurity, including roughly 11 percent of households in the UK, showing that the issue affects both developing and wealthy nations.MpoxA new strain of the mpox virus was identified in the UK earlier this month, with health officials warning that it has the potential to cause severe illness.Previously known as monkeypox, the virus belongs to the same family as smallpox and spreads through close physical contact, as well as coughing and sneezing. The latest mutation is a blend of two previously recognised strains and has been described by doctors as exactly the type of development experts feared. The case was detected in someone who had recently returned to the UK from Asia.Dr Michael Head, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Southampton, said the disease was once considered rare but has become increasingly common following repeated outbreaks worldwide.“Mpox outbreaks continue in many countries, including parts of Europe such as Spain,” he told the Mirror. “New strains are emerging, and it is becoming clear that a virus which was once very uncommon is now likely to remain with us globally.”Symptoms: Headache, muscle pain and extreme tiredness, followed by a distinctive rash that forms spots, crusts over and eventually falls away.RubellaVaccination rates among children in the UK have dropped sharply, reaching a 15-year low in 2015. According to Dr Head, the rise of anti-vaccine sentiment could contribute to a resurgence of rubella.Rubella, also known as German measles, has been close to eradication in Britain for many years. It is the “R” component of the MMR vaccine, which has played a key role in keeping case numbers extremely low.“Annual rubella cases in the UK are usually in single digits and sometimes there are none at all,” Dr Head said. “It has effectively been removed as a major public health issue.“However, with reduced uptake of the MMR vaccine, there is a real risk that rubella could reappear. While the infection is usually mild, it can be extremely dangerous for pregnant women. If infection occurs early in pregnancy, there is around a 90 percent risk of congenital rubella syndrome.” This condition can cause severe birth defects, including brain damage, vision problems and hearing loss. Dr Head stressed that the rubella element of the MMR vaccine is vital in preventing these outcomes.Symptoms: Fever, swollen glands and headaches, followed by a red, spotty rash that begins on the face and spreads across the body.InfluenzaThe UK has experienced an unusually early and severe flu season this year, with several NHS Trusts placed on high alert. Hospital admissions linked to “super flu” remain at record levels for this time of year, according to the latest NHS data.Although influenza is a familiar illness, experts say it is currently one of the most concerning threats. Professor Paul Hunter, a medicine specialist at the University of East Anglia, said recent trends abroad suggest the UK could face ongoing pressure.“The major concern right now is influenza,” he told the Mirror. “Australia has just experienced its worst flu season in years, and the UK often follows a similar pattern.”Health authorities have also flagged the rapid spread of a new influenza subvariant known as subclade K, which has become the dominant strain across the country. This strain belongs to the H3N2 subtype, one of the three main viruses responsible for seasonal flu.With hospitals already under strain from early flu cases, the UK Health Security Agency is urging everyone eligible to receive a flu vaccination as soon as possible.Symptoms: High temperature, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue and in some cases vomiting or diarrhoea.Disease XDoctors are also keeping a close watch on the threat known as Disease X as the world moves into 2026. Disease X is not a specific illness but a term used to describe a future, currently unknown infection that could cause widespread outbreaks or a global pandemic.Dr Head has previously warned that the possibility of an unidentified virus or bacterial infection is very real, and that governments must be prepared. “Disease X refers to an as-yet-unknown pathogen with the potential to cause large outbreaks or even a pandemic,” he told the Mirror. “It could spread rapidly and have a high death rate, similar to what we saw with COVID-19.Symptoms: These would depend entirely on the nature of the organism. A respiratory virus could lead to coughing and breathing difficulties, while a bacterial infection might cause symptoms more similar to a stomach bug.