The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued a precautionary advisory after a rise in seasonal influenza (H3N2) cases has been reported both globally and within Pakistan.
The advisory urges provincial health departments and relevant institutions to implement timely preventive and control measures.
Visit Times of Karachi website for the latest news-related content daily
It also calls on healthcare facilities to prepare for a possible increase in patients in both outpatient and inpatient departments in the coming months.
Influenza, a contagious viral respiratory illness caused by Influenza A and B viruses, leads to seasonal outbreaks every year worldwide.
The NIH highlighted that Influenza A spreads more easily and often results in more severe illness, especially among the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung diseases.
READ: WHO warns of superflu surge as influenza cases spread globally
According to the advisory, a new genetic subclade of Influenza A (H3N2), identified as Subclade K, has emerged during the 2025–2026 flu season.
Since August 2025, multiple regions monitored by the World Health Organization have reported a sharp rise in H3N2 infections.
In South-East Asia, influenza detection rates have increased significantly, with H3N2 accounting for 66 percent of all reported Influenza A cases between May and late November 2025.
Follow the Times of Karachi channel on WhatsApp
The NIH emphasized that early preventive measures, timely vaccination, and proper medical care are essential to reduce the impact of the flu during the ongoing season.
