Pakistan’s health authorities have confirmed the presence of the rapidly spreading super flu virus, which has been causing a surge in influenza cases worldwide.
According to officials from the National Institute of Health (NIH), Islamabad, a rapidly spreading mutated subtype of influenza A (H3N2), called subclade-K, has been identified in Pakistan. However, National Institute of Health officials say there is no need to panic, as the seasonal flu vaccine continues to provide protection against severe illness and hospitalization.
The NIH officials confirmed that 10 to 20 percent of influenza samples analyzed in recent weeks were of the H3N2 strain, and multiple subtypes are circulating in the country, including a mutated subclade-K. This situation, according to officials, reflects global trends.
According to the latest data, the vaccine continues to provide meaningful protection against severe disease. On the other hand, according to infectious disease experts, Pakistan is currently in the flu epidemic phase and cases are expected to increase with the decrease in temperature.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the new strain A(H3N2), sub-clade ‘K,’ has driven a sharp increase in flu cases across several European countries, including the UK. British health officials report that over 2,600 patients are being admitted to hospitals daily, a 50 percent increase compared to last week.
UK Health Minister described the current pressure on hospitals as the highest since COVID-19, though WHO clarified that the new strain is not more dangerous but has spread earlier than usual. Children and the elderly are the most affected, with some schools temporarily closed or operating on reduced hours.
In Pakistan, sources report that 20 percent of tested samples contain the A(H3N2) sub-clade ‘K’ virus, indicating its presence in the country.
Health experts have described the dense fog and cold weather prevailing in many parts of the country as a favorable environment for the spread of the virus and have advised people to take precautionary measures, such as wearing masks in crowded places, washing hands frequently, and avoiding close contact with people with flu-like symptoms.
Medical expert Dr. Rana Jawad Asghar told media that “super flu” symptoms are similar to regular influenza, including headache, runny nose, and fever. He explained that the term “super flu” refers to the virus affecting a higher number of people than expected globally, along with certain genetic changes in the virus.
Dr. Asghar advised preventive measures similar to those for regular flu: vaccinate children and older adults, avoid sending sick individuals to schools or offices, reduce physical contact, and limit social gatherings. Western countries are also vaccinating young adults alongside children and the elderly to curb the spread.
Reporter: Baber Shahzad Turk