Karachi faces Influenza surge as H3N2 strain spreads
A nurse prepares an injection of the influenza vaccine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts January 10, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS
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. Seasonal changes contribute to the rise in cases, and severe patients may experience chest tightness that makes breathing difficult, especially at night.
Influenza can affect people of all ages, but the elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms. While flu and COVID-19 share symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, influenza is typically milder. For severe chest symptoms, doctors recommend a complete blood count and chest X-ray. Receiving the flu vaccine can help reduce the number of cases.
Preventive measures include wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and washing hands thoroughly after physical contact.
Dr Faisal Javed, a general physician, said influenza viruses are always present in the environment. Seasonal changes have contributed to the rise in cases. If the illness worsens, it can lead to pneumonia, causing difficulty breathing and fluid buildup in the lungs. The virus is particularly severe in patients with respiratory, lung, heart, or diabetes-related conditions.
Unlike COVID-19, which spreads rapidly, influenza spreads more slowly. Testing is recommended mainly for patients with severe or prolonged symptoms.