Karachi [Pakistan], December 13 (ANI): Karachi is experiencing an increase in influenza infections driven by the H3N2 strain, following an earlier H1N1 outbreak, The Express Tribune reported on Friday.
Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are among the most affected groups, with hospitals noting more patients with fever, cough, cold, body aches and fatigue. Dr Halar Sheikh of Jinnah Hospital Karachi said common influenza symptoms include cold, fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue and headache, adding that H3N2 often produces a longer-lasting cold and sore throat.
This season’s cases have been reported more frequently than in previous years. In severe instances, coughing may persist up to two weeks, and pneumonia can develop in high-risk individuals. Dr Sheikh warned that influenza and COVID-19 share overlapping symptoms; about 40-50 percent of outpatients present with flu-like symptoms, and PCR testing is generally recommended for severe or prolonged illness.
Dr Irfan Siddiqui said the emergency department sees 40-50 new flu patients daily, attributing the rise to seasonal changes. Severe patients may suffer chest tightness and nighttime breathing difficulties. While influenza can affect all ages, the elderly, children and immunocompromised people are at higher risk of severe disease.
Although flu and COVID-19 share symptoms such as fever, cough and breathing trouble, influenza is generally milder. Physicians recommend complete blood counts and chest X-rays for patients with significant chest symptoms. Dr Faisal Javed noted that influenza viruses circulate year-round, with seasonal shifts contributing to the current surge.
Severe influenza can lead to pneumonia, causing fluid accumulation in the lungs and breathing difficulty, especially in those with underlying respiratory, cardiac or diabetic conditions. Unlike COVID-19, influenza tends to spread more slowly, and testing is mainly advised for severe or prolonged presentations. Health experts urge preventive measures including mask use, avoiding crowded places and strict hand hygiene. The flu vaccine remains key to reducing infection risk and case numbers. (ANI)
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