The ongoing dry and cold weather has intensified the spread of seasonal flu and related viruses across Pakistan, with health officials reporting a surge in cases.
According to a report presented by the National Institute of Health (NIH) to the National Assembly, five COVID-19 and 147 swine flu (Influenza A) cases were confirmed in December and January. The affected COVID-19 patients include two each from Rawalpindi and Swat, and one from Islamabad.
The NIH report detailed that 1,724 patient samples were collected from 14 cities, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gilgit, Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi, Multan, and Swat. Out of these:
- Seasonal Flu (Influenza B): 511 cases were confirmed, including 129 children.
- Swine Flu (Influenza A): 147 cases tested positive over the 1.5 months.
- Metapneumovirus: A rare respiratory virus, recently emerged in China, was identified in one patient.
Health experts have urged citizens to adopt preventive measures, including vaccination, wearing masks, and maintaining hygiene, to combat the rapid spread of respiratory viruses.
Meanwhile, Karachi reported fresh cases of the coronavirus on Saturday. Influenza and laryngitis were spreading swiftly in the city. Meanwhile, 30% of the cases pertaining to cough and fever at the Dow Hospital turned out to be coronavirus positive.
Professor Saeed Khan from the hospital claimed, "The coronavirus has already existed in society. These cases surge amid the cold weather." He has urged the patients to take precautionary measures if they feel symptoms.
