The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has issued an official advisory to hospitals across the province, warning of a potential outbreak of seasonal influenza (H3N2) and outlining strict guidelines for early detection, patient management, and laboratory testing.
Under the advisory, district health officers, medical superintendents of DHQ hospitals, and medical directors of teaching hospitals have been instructed to immediately send samples from suspected cases to the Public Health Reference Laboratory (PHRL) at Khyber Medical University to ensure early confirmation and containment.
Rise in Flu Cases Nationwide
According to the health department, Pakistan is currently witnessing a surge in influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases.
-
340,856 suspected ILI cases reported nationwide
-
12% tested positive for H3N2
Health officials warned that Influenza A (H3N2) is associated with higher transmissibility and more severe illness, particularly among vulnerable populations.
High-Risk Groups Identified
The advisory highlighted that the virus poses a greater risk to:
-
Children under 5 years
-
Adults above 65 years
-
Pregnant women
-
Obese individuals
-
Immunocompromised patients (HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy)
-
People with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma, and kidney disorders
Hospitals Asked to Prepare for Patient Surge
The department cautioned that the ongoing flu season could worsen due to limited healthcare access, inadequate infection control, and low public awareness, urging hospitals to prepare for increased outpatient and inpatient load.
Seasonal influenza usually causes mild to moderate illness, but can progress rapidly to severe disease in high-risk individuals if not managed early.
Symptoms and Transmission
Influenza spreads mainly through:
-
Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
-
Aerosols in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces
-
Touching contaminated surfaces and then the face
Common symptoms include fever (100°F or above), cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue.
Testing and Treatment Guidelines
Patients suffering from ILI or SARI requiring hospitalisation must have respiratory samples collected immediately, placed in viral transport medium, and sent to the PHRL for testing.
While treatment is largely supportive, the department recommended early antiviral therapy, particularly Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), for hospitalized patients with severe or progressive illness.
Preventive Measures and Vaccination
The advisory emphasized preventive steps such as:
-
Frequent hand washing
-
Use of hand sanitiser
-
Covering mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing
-
Avoiding close contact in crowded places
People with flu-like symptoms have been advised to stay home and avoid public gatherings until fully recovered.
The department also endorsed WHO recommendations for seasonal influenza vaccination, prioritising:
-
Pregnant women
-
Elderly individuals
-
Children
-
People with chronic diseases
-
Health-care workers
Early diagnosis, timely treatment, and vaccination can significantly reduce complications and deaths, the advisory stressed.
