Karachi is seeing a rise in influenza cases, with the new H3N2 strain prompting caution following the earlier H1N1 outbreak. Children, the elderly, and pregnant women are most affected, with hospitals reporting an increase in patients presenting with fever, cough, cold, and body aches.
Dr Halar Sheikh of Jinnah Hospital Karachi said influenza symptoms include cold, fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue, and headache. The H3N2 strain often causes a longer-lasting cold and sore throat. This year, cases have been more frequent than in previous years. In severe instances, coughing may last up to two weeks, and pneumonia can develop in high-risk patients, including the elderly, children, and pregnant women. Dr Sheikh noted that influenza and COVID-19 can have overlapping symptoms. About 40% to 50% of patients in the outpatient department present with flu-like symptoms. PCR tests are generally recommended for severe or prolonged cases.
Dr Irfan Siddiqui said the emergency department sees 40 to 50 new patients daily with flu symptoms.