As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, the threat of flu season has arrived with a new strain that could lead to hospitalization numbers and potential deaths that surpass last year's totals.

Subclade K, a mutated strain of influenza, has already caused early spikes in flu cases in the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada.

What is Subclade K?

"Subclade K is actually a version of the H3N2 strain, which is a strain of influenza A as opposed to influenza B," said Dr. James Solava, a primary care physician with Allegheny Health Network. "We do know that influenza A usually strikes a bit earlier in the season than influenza B. This is right around the time where our flu season really starts to ramp up."

Dr. Barbara Nightingale, the deputy director of clinical services with the Allegheny Cou

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