New mutated strain of flu driving 'worst illness in a decade' across UK

The new variant has begun spreading much more early than usual and could be responsible for thousands of UK deaths this year

Experts say the UK could be at the start of the worst flu season in a decade, much worse than last year when 8,000 people died in the UK and the previous season which saw 16,000 people die. Japan has closed schools, the UKHSA is urging people to avoid contact if they have symptoms and a doctor has told people to isolate for seven days if they fall ill.

Experts say a potentially dangerous new strain of the virus has emerged and began spreading much more early than usual in the UK - appearing to be easier to catch and easier to spread. The new mutant strain is said to be 'hotter and nastier' than the usual type of flu we get in the UK.

Professor Nicola Lewis, direct