File photo for reference only.

 

A mutated flu virus has emerged, threatening to create the worst flu season seen in the past decade. The NHS has announced a "flu jab SOS" amid anxiety over the early start and severity of the flu season. Experts are concerned that the outbreak could overwhelm healthcare systems, with the virus potentially evading some immunity.

 

The mutation occurred in a strain of H3N2 influenza in June, far outside the typical flu season. This sudden change led to a surge in reports of the mutated virus. Professor Derek Smith from the University of Cambridge explained that these abrupt changes in the virus enable it to evade immunity, increasing its ability to spread globally.

 

Experts, including Professor Nicola Lewis from the Francis Crick Institute, anticipate a challenging season ahead. The flu is spreading more easily, leading to an early and potentially severe season. With a higher R number than usual, the virus is spreading rapidly, even in non-ideal winter conditions, affecting countries including the UK and Japan, reported the BBC.

 

Looking forward, the spotlight is on vaccinations. Despite concerns that the current flu vaccine may not perfectly match the new strain, health officials stress the importance of getting vaccinated. NHS England has announced that millions of vaccine slots are available, with a focus on reducing severe cases rather than complete prevention.

 

Additionally, informed strategies are being advised to manage the unfolding situation. Japan, facing similar challenges with an early flu season, has opted for short-term school closures to contain the spread. In the UK, doctors have been reminded that early antiviral treatments can minimise flu complications.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A sudden mutation in the H3N2 flu virus could cause a severe flu season.
• The NHS urges vaccinations despite the imperfect match with the mutated virus.
• Japan uses school closures to manage early outbreaks and reduce spread.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC 2025-11-10

 

 

1 hour ago, webfact said:

Despite concerns that the current flu vaccine may not perfectly match the new strain, health officials stress the importance of getting vaccinated

 

I don't follow this.My understanding is that it takes several months to develop a vaccine that tackles an ever changing flu virus.Even in normal years the jab only offers partial protection though this will usually mitigate symptoms and save many lives among the more vulnerable.In this case there obviously has not been time to include protection against the more virulent strain, so exactly what protection is provided? It all seems like a stab in the dark.

A bit puzzling that they were aware of a change yet the start of the rollout of the old age flu vaccine program was delayed. Last year I had the vaccine at a clinic on the 2nd October, this year the same clinics did not start until last week in October.

Before anyone has other ideas, the above statement is based on invitation via the NHS national messaging service, local information may well differ.

On 11/9/2025 at 10:29 PM, jayboy said:

 

I don't follow this.My understanding is that it takes several months to develop a vaccine that tackles an ever changing flu virus.Even in normal years the jab only offers partial protection though this will usually mitigate symptoms and save many lives among the more vulnerable.In this case there obviously has not been time to include protection against the more virulent strain, so exactly what protection is provided? It all seems like a stab in the dark.

You need to read up on that.

 

Vaccines are generally "tweaked" to fight the new strain. 

 

Just as the Covid vaccine was rolled out quickly as scientists already had vaccines to fight "Corona" viruses.

Can't wait for rattlesnake, Gambooler et al the chime in.

Get the popcorn ready.

4 minutes ago, emptypockets said:

Get the popcorn ready.

Save your popcorn for the 'off the beaten track'  sub forum

any comment here would be superfluous.

3 minutes ago, johng said:

Save your popcorn for the 'off the beaten track'  sub forum

any comment here would be superfluous.

Nutters know no boundaries.

 

RFK Jr. allies declared that ‘God is an anti-vaxxer’ at Texas conference attended by Cheryl Hines

https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/rfk-jr-god-anti-vaxxer-texas-b2862191.html

 

It seems that many people believe that vaccines are harmful to the body including God Himself. I personally have not heard from God myself but until I do, I will give experimental vaccines a pass. 

1 hour ago, emptypockets said:

Can't wait for rattlesnake, Gambooler et al the chime in.

Get the popcorn ready.

Red Phoenix stiddle mump

26 minutes ago, Keep Right said:

RFK Jr. allies declared that ‘God is an anti-vaxxer’ at Texas conference attended by Cheryl Hines

https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/rfk-jr-god-anti-vaxxer-texas-b2862191.html

 

It seems that many people believe that vaccines are harmful to the body including God Himself. I personally have not heard from God myself but until I do, I will give experimental vaccines a pass. 

Then trust to chance that you don’t get the opportunity for an early personal meeting with God, or the other fellow.