By Asghar Ali Mubarak
Pakistan is witnessing a concerning rise in cases of the rapidly spreading influenza virus, widely referred to as “super flu,” as global health authorities raise the alarm over its speed and transmissibility. Health experts in Pakistan warned that while the outbreak required vigilance, there was no need for panic, emphasizing that the virus represents a mutated variant of an existing influenza strain rather than a completely new pathogen. Nevertheless, the rapid spread has prompted calls for precautionary measures, particularly among vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with underlying health conditions.
The outbreak has coincided with the onset of seasonal smog across parts of the country, a factor believed to exacerbate transmission. Medical authorities reported that multiple respiratory viruses are currently circulating, including rhinovirus, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2, making it difficult to distinguish influenza based on symptoms alone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the current surge has been driven largely by influenza A (H3N2) and its new subclade K, a genetically mutated variant with several changes compared to related strains.
Personal accounts have highlighted the severity of the outbreak. Asghar Ali Mubarak, a patient admitted to the Islamic International Hospital for two weeks due to this infection, underscored the importance of following medical guidance, noting that pneumonia can develop in severe cases, increasing the likelihood of ventilator support for high-risk patients. Globally, the H3N2 subclade K has been most visible in Europe. In the United Kingdom, authorities reported that more than 2,600 patients were being admitted to hospitals each day, a 50 per cent rise from the previous week. The UK Health Minister described the situation as the greatest pressure on hospitals since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Schools and some educational institutions had temporarily closed or shortened hours to prevent transmission, with children identified as major vectors in households and communities. Although the virus has shown a swift pace of spread, WHO emphasized that it is not necessarily more deadly than previous influenza strains. Nonetheless, its early seasonal emergence and rapid transmission have prompted concern among public health experts. Vaccination remains the primary tool to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, with authorities recommending immunization for all individuals above six months of age, particularly those at high risk.
In Pakistan, private laboratories reported that around 20 per cent of influenza samples tested contained the H3N2 subclade K, confirming the local presence of the variant. Health officials, including Dr Javed Akram, international advisor at the Royal College of London in Islamabad, noted that while severe complications remain relatively uncommon in the country, pneumonia and other respiratory issues can pose serious risks for children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses.
Dr Rana Safdar, an expert on emerging infectious diseases, stated that Pakistan was at the peak of influenza transmission. He observed that young people were often responsible for community spread, while severe outcomes were concentrated among older adults and patients with pre-existing conditions. He emphasized that vaccination, alongside standard hygiene practices such as mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals, remained essential in limiting the virus’s impact.
The confluence of influenza with other respiratory pathogens has heightened concern. Dr Masood Akhtar Sheikh, a senior medical consultant, reported a noticeable increase in flu cases across major cities in Punjab, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad. Although no deaths had been recorded from this variant in Pakistan at the time, the number of patients presenting with flu-related complications was rising, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Experts highlighted that children, acting as super-spreaders, often transmit infections to older relatives at home.
Medical professionals also pointed to co-infections with COVID-19 and RSV as complicating factors. International travel, as seen in the UK, can accelerate viral spread, adding to the pressure on local health systems. High-risk patients in Pakistan were advised to seek medical care and, where appropriate, use antiviral medications such as Oseltamivir under professional guidance. Basic measures, including adequate rest, proper nutrition, hydration, and well-ventilated living spaces, were encouraged for those with mild symptoms.
Rhinovirus, the main cause of the common cold, continues to circulate alongside influenza. With more than 160 types capable of rapid mutation, rhinoviruses are highly contagious, causing runny noses, sore throats, coughs, sneezing, fatigue, and mild fevers. Experts have noted that exposure to cold temperatures can weaken the nasal immune response, allowing the virus to multiply more efficiently. Research has shown that the nasal cavity, cooler than other parts of the body, provides an environment in which rhinoviruses thrive, explaining their prevalence during colder months.
(The writer is a senior journalist covering various beats, can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
