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A "concerning" new flu strain has sparked a wave of cases earlier than would normally be seen as this time of the year.

Doctors fear a bad flu season is ahead this winter, driven by the potentially deadly new H3N2 strain.

Flu cases have started to be reported a month early this year, with it not even December yet.

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Case numbers are already three times higher than the same time in 2024.

It could leave hospitals overwhelmed later this winter when the freezing cold weather truly kicks in, particularly if Covid cases also rise.

A huge 84% of flu cases were identified as the H3N2 subtype where testing was available, hea

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