This year's winter flu outbreak appears to be distinct from previous ones, with a mutated H3N2 flu virus circulating. The outbreak has led to a surge in flu cases, with reports of related deaths, including among children, although there are also indications that the flu rate may be slowing in some areas. The severity and impact of the outbreak are being closely monitored, with some warnings of a potential "double whammy" of flu and other factors posing a risk to patients.