Experts warn that flu season, which typically runs from October to May in the U.S., is slated to be worse than usual this year because of a new subvariant of the virus called H3N2 subclade K. This version is not reflected in the flu vaccine, which will likely lead to more cases and hospitalizations. The subvariant can cause similar symptoms to other flu viruses, including a sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches and fever.

‘Rapidly spreading’

Subclade K first appeared in June, four months after the makeup of this year’s flu shots had already been decided. The subvariant likely emerged while “circulating in the Southern Hemisphere,” where it “picked up seven new mutations,” said Forbes . Australia has had the “worst flu for seven years,” said Dr. Hilary Jones to The Independent .

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