A 'superflu' is driving an unusually early and intense flu season across the UK, with NHS chiefs urging the public to 'wear a mask' if they have symptoms.

While not an official name for a virus, the so-called 'superflu' refers to the infection leaving record numbers of people in hospital . Health officials have warned that a 'drifted' flu variant, known as A(H3N2) - or subclade K - has rapidly become the dominant influenza strain across the country.

The H3N2 subtype is one of three main viruses that cause seasonal flu. Experts warn this strain has mutated in a way that makes it both more severe and more contagious - and that it no longer closely resembles the version used in this year's flu jab. However, data shows the vaccine continues to offer protection against the virus - and

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