KARACHI – Sindh capital is witnessing a sharp rise in flu patients as H1N1 circulates ahead of winter, with Civil Hospital reporting twice as many patients with flu symptoms. Doctors urge residents to watch for symptoms of this virus.
Port city doctors say H1N1 influenza is circulating in the city, putting young children, older adults and people with weakened immunity at greater risk of serious complications. Aga Khan University Hospital has recorded around 400 influenza cases during the reporting year, while Civil Hospital Karachi has seen its daily number of patients with flu symptoms double in recent days.
Civil Hospital’s Emergency Department Head Dr Imran Sarwar Sheikh said the facility was receiving between 70 and 80 patients with flu symptoms every day. Around 10 were suspected influenza cases and were referred to Dow Hospital for testing and further assessment. Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre has also reported an increase in patients with flu symptoms and suspected influenza.
Infectious Diseases Experts warned that the infection could cause serious respiratory complications, including pneumonia, particularly in people whose immune systems were already weakened.
Symptoms to watch
- Fever or chills
- Dry or persistent cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or blocked nose
- Headache and body aches
- Marked tiredness or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhoea, particularly in children
Some patients may have influenza without developing a fever. Most recover within about a week, although coughing and tiredness can last longer.
H1N1, often called swine flu, is a subtype of influenza A that circulates as seasonal flu. Its detection does not automatically mean a new variant has emerged. Influenza is also different from the common cold, although the two can cause overlapping symptoms.
Children under five, adults aged 65 and above, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of severe illness. Those living with asthma, diabetes, heart disease and other long-term medical conditions should also take extra precautions, as influenza can worsen existing health problems.
Annual influenza vaccination helps reduce the risk of infection and serious complications. People at higher risk should consult a healthcare professional about vaccination and obtain vaccines from authorised providers. Frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, improving indoor ventilation and avoiding close contact with sick people can help limit transmission.
For instant flu relief try these simple doctor-prescribed steps
Anyone feeling unwell should stay home and avoid crowded places. A well-fitting mask can provide additional protection when close contact cannot be avoided, particularly around vulnerable family members.
Rest, adequate fluids and appropriate treatment for fever can help patients manage mild illness. Water, soups and broths can support hydration, but they do not cure flu. People at higher risk should contact a doctor promptly when symptoms appear. Prescription antiviral medicines work best when started within 48 hours, although they may still benefit severely ill patients when given later.
Antibiotics do not treat influenza itself and should only be used when prescribed for a bacterial infection. Breathing difficulty, persistent chest pain, confusion, severe weakness or little or no urination require urgent medical attention.
