Pregnant women, the elderly and children under 5 years old are at higher risk of developing serious or complicated illness.
The National Institute of Health issued an advisory on the prevention and control of seasonal influenza (H3N2) after 340,856 suspected cases were reported nationwide between epidemiological weeks 44 and 49.
The aim of this advisory is to alert and assist health authorities and other stakeholders to ensure timely prevention and control measures, including preparation to cope with the expected increased workload in outpatient and hospital services over the coming months.
According to the advisory, influenza is an acute viral respiratory illness caused by influenza A and B viruses, leading to annual epidemics. Influenza A is associated with higher transmissibility and severe illness in older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses.
During the 2025-2026 season, a new genetic subclade of influenza A (H3N2), subclade K, emerged globally. Recently, there has been a rapid increase in the detection of H3N2 cases since August 2025 in different WHO regions.
The Southeast Asia region showed an increase in the number of positive influenza cases, with a predominance of the H3N2 virus (66% of all influenza A cases) since May 2025 until the end of November. Similarly, Australia and New Zealand have also reported an increase in flu cases, with a significant proportion of H3N2 flu cases.
Pakistan is also seeing an increase in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI). The country reported a total of 340,856 suspected ILI cases during epidemiological weeks 44 to 49 in all provinces and regions through the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System, with 12% positivity of H3N2 cases among tested samples.
According to the advisory, seasonal flu viruses may present with mild symptoms but progress to severe illness, especially in people at high risk, including patients with chronic illnesses (such as asthma, diabetes, heart and lung disease), pregnant women, the elderly, and children under five years of age, who are at higher risk of developing severe or complicated illness.
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent infection and serious outcomes caused by influenza viruses, especially in high-risk groups. The flu (seasonal flu) can spread from person to person through coughing or sneezing or through contaminated hands or other surfaces.
The advisory emphasizes that if a person is sick or has been in close contact with people suffering from influenza-like illness, the following preventative measures are recommended to limit the transmission of influenza:
• Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water, and use of hand sanitizer when away from hand washing facilities.
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
• Sick patients should rest and avoid crowds
• Take social distancing measures
It is noted that the CDC-NIH Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) regularly monitors the influenza situation.
Considering the recent resurgence of influenza in various regions, remarkable increase in H3N2 cases, limited access to health services, unsatisfactory infection prevention and control practices in different settings, and limited health awareness among the community, the influenza season in Pakistan can be severe.
Therefore, it is essential that individuals, especially those in high-risk groups, take preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms persist.
The aim of this advisory is to alert and assist health authorities and other stakeholders to ensure timely prevention and control measures, including preparation to cope with the expected increased workload in outpatient and hospital services over the coming months.
