The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa health department has issued a flu advisory for hospitals. Officials warned about rising seasonal influenza H3N2 cases. The advisory focuses on symptoms, management, and sample collection from suspected patients. Authorities want early detection and control to prevent a severe outbreak.
The advisory instructs district health officers and hospital directors to submit samples to the Public Health Reference Laboratory at Khyber Medical University. Influenza A spreads quickly and causes severe illness in adults, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions. The health department reported 340,856 suspected influenza-like illness (ILI) cases nationwide.
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Experts warned that limited healthcare access and low public awareness could make the flu season severe. They urged hospitals to prepare for higher patient numbers. The department emphasized preventive measures in outpatient and inpatient departments to reduce disease impact.
High-risk groups include elderly people, children under five, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and people with chronic illnesses. The advisory recommended hand hygiene, masks, avoiding crowds, and social distancing. Vaccination, early detection, and antiviral treatment can reduce severe cases and deaths.
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The health department stressed that timely action can limit the flu outbreak. Citizens and hospitals are urged to follow guidelines, monitor symptoms, and report cases immediately. Officials continue surveillance to protect high-risk communities and prevent further spread.