Pandemic 2026 warning: Four diseases doctors are most worried about in the UK.

Doctors and public health experts highlighted influenza, mpox, rubella and broader risks tied to food insecurity as key concerns for 2026; the UK is facing an unusually large early flu season and a new recombinant mpox strain has been detected.

Doctors and public health experts have identified several infectious threats as priorities for 2026. The UK is reporting an unusually large early influenza wave with record hospital admissions for this time of year, and officials described the situation as a worst-case scenario. A recombinant mpox strain was detected in the UK and reported as circulating internationally. Researchers also noted lower childhood MMR uptake and rising food insecurity as factors that could increase vulnerability to infectious disease. Key reported facts: - The NHS National Medical Director was reported to describe the current influenza wave as producing record hospitalisations and a worst-case scenario for this time of year. - A recombinant mpox strain was reported as found in the UK in a returning traveller and as spreading in other countries. - Childhood MMR vaccination uptake was reported to have fallen to a 15-year low in 2025, and measles outbreaks were reported among unvaccinated children. - Public health researchers were reported as saying food insecurity and malnutrition are increasing susceptibility to infectious diseases. Summary: The article reported that an early surge in influenza, detection of a new mpox strain, reduced childhood vaccination coverage and concerns about food insecurity together shaped the reported public health picture for 2026. Health agencies were reported to be monitoring the situation, and the UK Health Security Agency was reported as urging eligible people to get a flu vaccination. Undetermined at this time.