High Alert: Pakistan city faces alarming rise in influenza cases as H3N2 strain spreads

Karachi: One of the major cities of Pakistan, Karachi, is witnessing an alarming rise in influenza cases linked to the H3N2 strain, after an earlier surge caused by H1N1. Hospitals are reporting a sudden increase in patients with children, the elderly and pregnant women among the most affected. People are flocking to hospitals with symptoms like fever, cough, cold, body aches and fatigue.

What Doctors Are Saying?

As per Dr Halar Sheikh of Jinnah Hospital Karachi, influenza symptoms include cold, fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue, and headache, noting that the H3N2 strain often causes a longer-lasting cold and sore throat. This year, cases have been reported more frequently than in previous years. In severe cases, coughing may persist for up to two weeks, and pneumonia can develop in high-risk individuals, The Express Tribune reported.

According to  Dr Halar Sheikh of Jinnah Hospital Karachi, patients suffering from influenza have symptoms like – cold, fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue, and headache. He highlighted that H3N2 strain often causes a longer-lasting cold and sore throat. As compare to previous year, this year the cases are more frequent. In patients who are in severe category, coughing may persist for more than two weeks.

Dr Sheikh also warned that influenza and COVID-19 share have same symptoms. Around 50per cent of patients are visiting hospital with flu-like symptoms. PCR tests are generally recommended for severe or prolonged cases.

40-50 New Flu Patients Daily

Dr Irfan Siddiqui informed that the emergency department are receiving 40-50 new flu patients daily. Severe patients can also experience chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

Influenza can affect people of all ages, but the elderly, children, and immunocompromised patients may experience more severe symptoms.

Flu And COVID-19 Have Similar Symptoms

While flu and COVID-19 share common symptoms such as fever, cough, and breathing difficulties, influenza is generally milder. Doctors recommend a complete blood count and chest X-ray for patients experiencing severe chest symptoms.

Dr Faisal Javed, a general physician, said influenza viruses are always present, with seasonal changes contributing to the recent surge.

Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, causing fluid buildup in the lungs and difficulty breathing, especially in patients with underlying conditions such as respiratory, heart, or diabetes-related illnesses, as reported by The Express Tribune.

Good news is that influenza doesn’t spread like COVID-19, it spreads slowly. Patients with prolonged symptoms are advised for a proper testing.

(with ANI inputs)