Doctors recommend vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly and pregnant women.
A nurse prepares an injection of the flu vaccine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, January 10, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS
Karachi is seeing a rise in flu cases, with the new H3N2 strain prompting caution after the previous H1N1 outbreak. Children, the elderly and pregnant women are most affected, with hospitals reporting an increase in the number of patients presenting with fever, cough, cold and body aches.
Dr Hilar Sheikh of Jinnah Hospital in Karachi said flu symptoms include cold, fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue and headache. The H3N2 strain often causes colds and sore throats that last longer. This year, cases have been more frequent than in previous years. In severe cases, the cough may last up to two weeks and pneumonia may develop in high-risk patients, including the elderly, children and pregnant women.
Dr. Sheikh noted that the flu and COVID-19 can have overlapping symptoms. Approximately 40-50% of outpatients experience 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 with flu symptoms daily. Seasonal changes contribute to the increase in cases, and patients in serious condition may feel chest tightness that makes breathing difficult, especially at night.
The flu can affect people of any age, but older adults, children, and people with weakened immune systems may have more severe symptoms. Although the flu and COVID-19 share symptoms such as fever, cough and difficulty breathing, the flu is generally 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.
Preventative measures include wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, and washing hands thoroughly after physical contact.
Dr Faisal Javed, a general practitioner, said flu viruses are always present in the environment. Seasonal changes have contributed to the increase in cases. If the illness gets worse, it can lead to pneumonia, leading to difficulty breathing and fluid buildup in the lungs. The virus is particularly serious in patients suffering from respiratory, pulmonary, heart or diabetes-related illnesses.
Unlike COVID-19, which spreads quickly, the flu spreads more slowly. Testing is recommended primarily for patients with severe or prolonged symptoms.
