View 3 Images

A mutated flu strain is behind the unusually early and intense start to this year's flu season in the UK. Officials at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) say this 'drifted' varient, known as A(H3N2) - or subclade K - has rapidly become the dominant influenza strain across the country.

The H3N2 subtype is one of three main viruses that cause seasonal flu. Experts warn this strain has mutated in a way that makes it both more severe and more contagious - and that it no longer closely resembles the version used in this year's flu jab.

However, data shows the vaccine continues to offer protection against the virus - and health bosses have urged those eligible to get the flu jab ahead of what is expected to be an unprecedented flu wave this winter.

Dr Jamie Lopez B

See Full Page