ISLAMABAD – The presence of the rapidly spreading influenza strain commonly referred to as “super flu” has also been detected in Pakistan, raising concerns among health authorities as cases surge in several parts of the world.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a new subtype of influenza A(H3N2), known as subclade K, has led to a sharp increase in influenza cases across several European countries, including the United Kingdom.
The British Department of Health has reported that hospitals are admitting an average of more than 2,600 influenza patients daily, marking a 50 percent increase compared to the previous week.
The UK Health Secretary described the situation as the greatest pressure on hospitals since the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the WHO has clarified that while the new strain is not considered more dangerous, its spread has begun earlier than usual.
Children and the elderly are the most affected by the so-called super flu.
In response, some schools have been temporarily closed, while others have reduced school hours to curb transmission.
Sources in Pakistan have confirmed the detection of the new influenza strain, stating that around 20 percent of tested samples were found to contain influenza A(H3N2) subclade K.
Medical expert Dr Rana Jawad Asghar said that the symptoms of the super flu are similar to those of seasonal influenza, including headache, runny nose, and fever.
He explained that the term “super flu” is being used because a higher-than-expected number of people worldwide are being infected, and because the virus has undergone certain mutations.
Dr Asghar added that preventive measures remain the same as for other influenza strains.
He advised that children and elderly individuals should receive preventive flu vaccinations, noting that in many Western countries, flu vaccines are also administered to young adults.
He further recommended that people showing flu-like symptoms should avoid sending children to school or going to offices to protect others, and urged the public to limit contact, avoid handshakes and reduce social interactions when infected.
