By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: Pakistani health authorities have sounded the alarm over a surge in H3N2 influenza cases, commonly referred to as “super flu,” warning citizens to take precautions as the virus spreads rapidly across the country.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 340,856 suspected influenza cases were reported in recent weeks, with laboratory tests confirming H3N2 in 12 percent of samples. Experts say a new genetic subtype of the virus is contributing to faster transmission compared with other seasonal influenza strains.
Dr Shafiq Rehman, senior scientific officer at the Pakistan Centre for Disease Control, said confirmed H3N2 cases have been rising since November, with 12 percent of the 1,691 cases reported last month testing positive for the virus. He emphasised that while genetic changes in influenza viruses are common, H3N2 spreads more aggressively, making timely vaccination and treatment crucial.
The National Institutes of Health warned that while typical influenza usually causes mild to moderate illness, H3N2 can lead to severe disease, particularly among the elderly, young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic conditions. The virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, with crowded or poorly ventilated areas posing the greatest risk.
Health authorities have been urged to strengthen surveillance, vaccination campaigns, and rapid treatment protocols to mitigate the seasonal influenza threat and protect vulnerable populations.
