The World Health Organization (WHO) has alerted countries to a rapid rise in influenza cases caused by the A(H3N2) subclade ‘K’ strain, which is spreading across Europe and has now been detected in Pakistan.
According to WHO, the new strain is not more dangerous than regular flu, but its early spread is causing an unusually high number of infections.
In the United Kingdom, hospitals report over 2,600 daily admissions, a 50 percent increase from last week, putting hospitals under significant pressure, the highest since the COVID-19 pandemic.
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WHO highlighted that children and the elderly are most vulnerable, prompting some schools in Europe to temporarily close or reduce hours.
According to Geo News, in Pakistan, health authorities have identified the A(H3N2) subclade ‘K’ strain in about 20 percent of tested influenza samples.
Medical expert Dr. Rana Jawad Asghar said that symptoms of this strain are similar to seasonal flu, including fever, headache, runny nose, and body aches.
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He noted that the term “superflu” reflects the higher-than-expected number of global infections and slight changes in the virus.
He advises standard preventive measures: vaccination for high-risk groups such as children and the elderly, avoiding crowded places if unwell, limiting physical contact, and practicing good hand hygiene.
Karachi is also witnessing a noticeable increase in influenza cases, with the H3N2 strain spreading months after the city dealt with an H1N1 outbreak.
Doctors say children, elderly people and pregnant women are the most affected, urging the public to take preventive measures and get vaccinated.
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Hospitals across the city have reported a growing number of patients arriving with fever, cough, cold, body aches and fatigue.
Medical experts say this year’s flu season appears more intense compared to previous years.
