Should the UK brace for a brutal flu season?

What this episode covers

This year’s flu season has begun more than a month earlier than usual, with a mutated strain spreading widely among younger people and expected to drive a wave of hospital admissions as it reaches the elderly. Science editor Ian Sample speaks to Madeleine Finlay about what we know so far and Prof Ed Hutchinson of the University of Glasgow explains how people can best protect themselves and each other. Help support our independent journalism at <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sciencepod">theguardian.com/sciencepod</a>

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Science Weekly?

This episode is 16 minutes long.

When was this Science Weekly episode published?

This episode was published on November 18, 2025.

What is this episode about?

This year’s flu season has begun more than a month earlier than usual, with a mutated strain spreading widely among younger people and expected to drive a wave of hospital admissions as it reaches the elderly. Science editor Ian Sample speaks to...

Can I download this Science Weekly episode?

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