An NHS doctor and regular BBC guest star has raised concerns over a mutated flu strain believed to pose greater risks to children than earlier versions. Dr Punam appeared on BBC Morning Live on Friday to explain why health experts are particularly concerned about flu this winter.

She said: "When flu comes up I think we can be a bit blasé about it, but the reason we're talking about it is that this winter we are extra worried about it. There's a few reasons for that, the first one being that usually we tend to see the spike in flu cases around late November."

However, this year the surge happened in early October, Dr Punam explained, adding: "This means that people aren't protected because in recent years the NHS has started vaccination campaigns a lot later".

Additionally, a new strain has emerged through mutation. The doctor continued: "The usual flu virus that we have had a mutation, a change, this summer.

"That means that any previous exposure that we've had to flu in the past, or any vaccine protection, actually that immunity is a little bit weaker.

"We get a heads up, almost a warning shot, from what happens across the world in Australia where they have their winter earlier than us. They have seen their worst flu season ever. We have to take heed of that."

Dr Punam is encouraging everybody who is eligible for a flu jab to get theirs without delay. She also said the new strain is believed to be more harmful for children compared with previous variants.

If you or your child have missed your jab, you can arrange a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy online or via the NHS App.