Health officials in Illinois are warning of a new and unexpected mutation that could make for a "more serious flu season" as cases are already on the rise.

The new variant, known as " Subclade K ," is part of the H3N2 parent group, or a type of Flu A.

"This mutation has been associated with an increased rate of flu infections in countries that are already witnessing it and also in parts of the United States," said Illinois Department of Public Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Arti Barnes.

The new strain's impact on other countries like Japan and in the UK has left some local doctors "on guard."

"This strain is spreading fast, it's spreading widely and so we really are on guard right now and are bracing ourselves for another flu season," Barnes said.

Doctors have warned that the new

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