Major public hospitals in Karachi have reported an increase in patients seeking treatment for flu symptoms as winter approaches, raising concerns about the spread of seasonal influenza.
Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) has reported around 400 influenza cases this year, with the H1N1 strain circulating among residents, according to hospital officials.
Professor Dr Faisal Mahmood, section head of infectious diseases at AKUH, told The Express Tribune that H1N1, commonly known as swine flu because of its historical association with influenza viruses found in pigs, was currently circulating in Karachi.
He cautioned that the number of cases could rise further by the end of the year as influenza activity increases during the colder months.
H1N1 Can Cause Serious Complications
Dr Mahmood explained that influenza viruses change over time, giving rise to new variants. He also noted that not every patient suspected of having influenza undergoes testing, as tests are generally prioritised for people who are seriously ill.
Although many people recover from influenza, the infection can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, particularly among older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems.
Dr Mahmood stressed that vaccination remains an important preventive measure and urged people at higher risk of severe illness to get vaccinated.
Civil Hospital Reports Doubling of Flu Patients
Civil Hospital Karachi has also recorded a sharp increase in patients presenting with flu symptoms.
Dr Imran Sarwar Sheikh, head of the hospital’s emergency department, said the number of such patients had doubled over the preceding few days, with the facility receiving between 70 and 80 patients daily.
Of these, around 10 patients were suspected of having influenza and were referred to Dow University of Health Sciences Hospital for testing and further medical assessment.
The increase has added to the workload of emergency departments as healthcare facilities respond to growing demand for treatment.
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JPMC Doctors Warn of Respiratory Risks
Doctors at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) have also observed an increase in patients with flu symptoms and suspected influenza.
Dr Irfan Siddiqui, deputy in-charge of the hospital’s emergency department, said common influenza symptoms included high fever, a runny nose and cough.
He warned that the infection could affect the respiratory system and cause severe complications, including pneumonia, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
Dr Siddiqui advised people to take precautions to reduce the risk of infection, including wearing face masks, maintaining physical distance and avoiding unnecessary exposure to contagious respiratory illnesses.
He also highlighted the availability of vaccines designed specifically to protect against influenza and encouraged people at higher risk of severe illness to consult healthcare professionals about vaccination.
Doctors Recommend Vaccination and Preventive Measures
Health experts have urged older adults, children and people with weakened immune systems to take particular care during the flu season.
Alongside vaccination, preventive measures such as regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, improving ventilation and avoiding close contact with people who are ill can help reduce the spread of respiratory infections.
People experiencing severe symptoms or breathing difficulties should seek medical attention promptly, especially if they belong to a high-risk group.
Dr Siddiqui also recommended maintaining a healthy, balanced diet and drinking enough fluids. Soups, broths and water-rich fruits can help maintain hydration during illness, although they do not replace medical treatment.
Concerns Over Vaccine Availability and Quality
The rise in reported flu cases has renewed attention to the quality and availability of influenza vaccines in Pakistan.
Experts have emphasised the importance of vaccination programmes in reducing the risk of severe illness and helping protect vulnerable populations. They have also advised people to obtain vaccines through authorised and reliable healthcare providers.
As the winter season approaches and international travel increases, doctors say vaccination and everyday preventive measures will remain important in limiting influenza transmission.
Healthcare professionals continue to stress that early medical assessment, appropriate vaccination and additional precautions for high-risk individuals can help reduce the impact of seasonal influenza.
