The National Institute of Health (NIH), Pakistan has issued an urgent advisory as cases of seasonal influenza (H3N2) rise both locally and internationally. The advisory emphasizes the need for timely preventive measures to protect public health and prepare healthcare facilities for potential increases in patient numbers.
Key Recommendations for Health Authorities
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Provincial health departments and institutions must implement preventive and control measures promptly.
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Hospitals and clinics should prepare for a possible surge in both outpatient and inpatient cases in the coming months.
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Citizens are advised to follow basic hygiene practices and seek medical attention if flu symptoms develop.
About Influenza and H3N2 Subclade K
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Influenza is a contagious viral respiratory illness caused by Influenza A and B viruses, leading to seasonal outbreaks worldwide.
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Influenza A spreads more easily and often causes severe illness in elderly people, children, pregnant women, and patients with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart, and lung diseases.
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A new genetic subclade of Influenza A (H3N2), called Subclade K, has emerged during the 2025–2026 flu season, causing concern among health authorities.
Global and Regional Trends
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Since August 2025, multiple regions monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO) have reported a sharp increase in H3N2 infections.
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In South-East Asia, detection rates have risen significantly, with H3N2 accounting for 66% of all Influenza A cases between May and November 2025.
This advisory serves as a wake-up call for Pakistan to strengthen flu prevention, vaccination campaigns, and hospital preparedness, ensuring communities stay protected during the peak flu season.
