Doctors urge vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and pregnant women.
A nurse prepares a flu vaccine injection at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 10, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS
Karachi is experiencing a surge in influenza cases, with the new H3N2 strain calling for caution after the previous 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 Hilar Sheikh of Jinnah Hospital Karachi said the symptoms of flu include cold, fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue and headache. The H3N2 strain often causes longer-lasting colds and sore throats. This year the cases have been more frequent than in previous years. In severe cases, cough can 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 long-term cases.
Dr Irfan Siddiqui said the emergency department sees 40 to 50 new patients with flu symptoms daily. Seasonal changes contribute to the increase in cases and seriously ill patients may experience chest tightness that makes breathing difficult, especially at night.
Influenza can affect people of all ages, but the elderly, children, and people with weakened immune systems may experience more severe symptoms. While the flu and COVID-19 share symptoms such as fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, the flu is usually milder. For severe chest symptoms, doctors recommend a complete blood count and chest x-ray. Getting the flu vaccine can help reduce the number of cases.
Preventative measures include wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and washing hands thoroughly after physical contact.
Dr Faisal Javed, general practitioner, said influenza viruses are always present in the environment. Seasonal changes have contributed to the increase in cases. If the disease worsens, it can cause pneumonia, which causes difficulty breathing and fluid buildup in the lungs. The virus is particularly serious in patients with respiratory, lung, heart or diabetes-related conditions.
Unlike COVID-19, which spreads quickly, influenza spreads more slowly. Testing is primarily recommended for patients with severe or prolonged symptoms.
