Horror graph shows how Australia is facing an extremely dangerous flu season

Thousands will die in Australia's flu epidemic that has started months earlier than usual and is rapidly spreading.

More than 75,000 people had been infected as of last week, already 50 per cent more last year's entire season, and experts predict 4,000 will die.

Figures from health authorities make the scale of the epidemic horrifyingly clear and show just how much worse it could get before winter is over.

This graph shows the massive number of flu cases reported in Western Australia since the state's worst-ever flu season began eight weeks early, dwarfing anything the past five years

This graph shows the massive number of flu cases reported in Western Australia since the state's worst-ever flu season began eight weeks early, dwarfing anything the past five years

A graph from the Western Australian Health Department shows a massive spike in reported cases that dwarfs anything in the past five years.

The state is gripped by its worst-ever flu season with almost 6,000 people infected as of June 9, compared with about 1,300 in the same period last year.

Fifteen people have died, compared with five last year, including a 10-year-old boy, and 791 hospitalised.

Many more are infected than the reported numbers as patients often don't see a doctor or have tests to diagnose the illness. 

The flu season usually takes off about eight weeks later than when the exponential rise in cases suddenly began in mid-April.

University of Western Australia flu expert Clinical Professor David Smith said it was the earlier the season had begun in more than 20 years.

The state is gripped by its worst-ever flu season with almost 6,000 people infected as of June 9, compared with about 1,300 in the same period last year

The state is gripped by its worst-ever flu season with almost 6,000 people infected as of June 9, compared with about 1,300 in the same period last year

'The level of activity we're seeing at this time of year is very unusual. It's earlier than usual in the season and quite a

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