City reports 400 H1N1 cases as flu patients surge

KARACHI:

Hospitals across the metropolis are witnessing a surge in patients with flu-like symptoms, with Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) reporting 400 influenza cases this year and Civil Hospital receiving 70 to 80 such patients daily.

Medical experts have warned that cases could increase further by the end of the year, urging citizens to take precautionary measures and recommending vaccination for people at greater risk of complications.

Professor Faisal Mahmood of the Department of Infectious Diseases at AKUH said the H1N1 strain of influenza was circulating in Karachi. The virus, widely known as swine flu during the 2009 pandemic, continues to evolve over time, giving rise to new variants.

He cautioned that the reported figures did not reflect the full extent of the outbreak, as diagnostic tests were not conducted on everyone presenting with flu-like symptoms. Testing was generally reserved for patients with more severe illness, making it difficult to determine the virus's overall prevalence from confirmed cases alone.

Influenza can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and other respiratory problems, particularly among older people, children and those with weakened immune systems, Mahmood said. He identified vaccination as an important preventive measure, especially for people at higher risk of severe illness.

Meanwhile, Dr Imran Sarwar Sheikh, head of the emergency department at Civil Hospital, said the facility was receiving 70 to 80 patients with flu-like symptoms every day, with patient numbers having nearly doubled. More than 10 suspected influenza cases were also being reported at the hospital each month, he said, adding that some patients suspected of having the infection were referred to Dow University hospitals for further diagnostic evaluation and treatment.

Experts have particularly urged older people, children and those with weakened immune systems to seek advice about influenza vaccination.