Sky News Daily Can the NHS handle ‘unprecedented’ super flu season?
Dec 11, 2025
Dr. Raj Arora, an NHS GP and health educator, discusses the alarming rise of the mutated H3N2 flu strain, differentiating severe symptoms from a common cold. He emphasizes urgent vaccination to protect against this 'super flu' before Christmas. Thomas Moore, a science correspondent, dives into hospitalization statistics, comparing flu transmission dynamics to COVID-19. Both guests highlight the importance of public health measures and the challenges the NHS faces amid potential doctors' strikes, urging listeners to stay informed and proactive about their health.
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Super Flu Driving Serious Hospital Admissions
- The current H3N2 influenza wave is causing rapid rises in hospital and critical care admissions across England.
- Thomas Moore emphasises this is serious disease, not a common cold, with steep recent increases in severe cases.
Vaccine-Drift Reduces Adult Protection
- The predominant strain has drifted significantly, reducing adult vaccine effectiveness to about 30–40%.
- Raj Arora notes children's vaccine protection remains higher at roughly 70–75%, so the match is imperfect.
Doctor Shares Personal Jab Experience
- Raj Arora describes mild side effects from his recent flu jab, like a sore arm for a short time.
- He stresses most patients experience minimal symptoms and find the vaccine well tolerated.