Karachi hospitals report surge in flu cases as H1N1 strain circulates

Doctors advise wearing face masks, maintaining physical distance and taking precautions to avoid contagious disease

KARACHI:

As winter sets in, major public hospitals in Karachi have seen a visible spike in flu patients brought in for treatment.

Aga Khan University Hospital  (AKUH) reported around 400 cases of influenza, a more dangerous variant of the common flu, this year, with the H1N1 strain infecting residents.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Professor Dr Faisal Mahmood, section head of Infectious Diseases at AKUH, said the H1N1 strain — also known as swine flu for its similarity with the influenza virus known for infecting pigs — was currently circulating in Karachi.

“Influenza viruses evolve over time, giving rise to new variants,” Dr Mahmood said, cautioning that the number of cases could increase further by the end of the year.

Dr Mahmood said not every patient suspected of having influenza was tested, with testing generally reserved for those who were seriously ill. He warned that influenza could lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, particularly among vulnerable individuals.

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He stressed that vaccination was an important preventive measure and urged older people, children and those with weakened immune systems to get vaccinated against the contagious respiratory infectious disease.

Meanwhile, Civil Hospital Karachi Emergency Department Head Dr Imran Sarwar Sheikh said the number of patients reporting flu symptoms had doubled during the last few days, and the facility was receiving between 70 and 80 patients every day.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Dr Sheikh said that out of the said cases, around 10 were suspected influenza cases who were then referred to DOW Hospital for tests and further medical assessment.

At Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Dr Irfan Siddiqui, deputy in-charge of the Emergency Department, seconded that the number of flu and suspected influenza patients had increased.

“Common symptoms of influenza include high fever, a runny nose and cough. In people with weakened immune systems, the infection can affect the respiratory system and may lead to severe complications, including pneumonia and fluid accumulation in the lungs,” Dr Siddiqui stated.

Read more: Medic urges timely flu vaccination

Advising those vulnerable or caring for the sick, the doctor said, they should wear face masks, maintain physical distance and take precautions to avoid the contagious disease.

“A vaccine specifically designed to protect against influenza is available,” Dr Siddiqui said and urged people, particularly those at higher risk of severe illness, to consult healthcare professionals about vaccination.

He further recommended a healthy, balanced diet, including soups, broths and water-rich fruits, to help maintain hydration and support recovery among infected individuals.

The rise in influenza cases has also renewed concerns over the quality and availability of vaccines in Pakistan. Experts say vaccination programmes can help reduce the spread and severity of seasonal influenza, but the public should ensure that vaccines are obtained through authorised and reliable sources.

With the flu season approaching and international travel increasing, health experts say vaccination and other preventive measures will remain important in limiting the spread of influenza, particularly among children, elderly people and other vulnerable groups.