RAWALPINDI: Amid rise in the super flu cases worldwide, the viral flu has also been confirmed in four residents of Rawalpindi.
The District Health Authority (DHA) Rawalpindi spokesperson said that “As many as 22 suspected cases of acute respiratory illness were screened during December, out of which only four were confirmed, and all the patients recovered completely after treatment.”
“Three cases were reported in Rawalpindi, belonging to Satellite Town, Union Council 39 and Railway Colony, while one case was reported from Murree,” he added.
The spokesperson said that “Eighteen close contacts were traced under the rapid response protocol of the health department, out of which only one secondary case tested positive. This clearly indicates that the spread of the disease was limited. Active surveillance is underway in the identified areas.”
Advisory issued amid rise in viral influenza cases in Pakistan
Earlier, the National Institute of Health (NIH) issued a precautionary advisory on the prevention and management of viral influenza, particularly the H3N2 strain, following an increase in cases both globally and within Pakistan.
The advisory calls on provincial health departments and relevant institutions to implement timely preventive and control measures.
Healthcare facilities have been urged to gear up for a potential surge in patients in outpatient and inpatient departments over the coming months.
According to the NIH, influenza is a contagious viral respiratory illness caused by Influenza A and B viruses, triggering annual seasonal outbreaks worldwide. Influenza A is noted to spread more readily and often causes more severe disease, especially among the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung diseases.
The advisory highlights the emergence of a new genetic subclade of Influenza A (H3N2), designated as Subclade K, during the 2025–2026 flu season.
Since August 2025, various regions monitored by the World Health Organization have recorded a sharp increase in H3N2 infections.
In South-East Asia, influenza detection rates have risen significantly, with H3N2 comprising 66 percent of all reported Influenza A cases between May and late November 2025.
Cold, dry weather leading to high influenza cases in Islamabad
Due to intense cold and dry weather, there has been a noticeable spike in influenza-like cases across Islamabad.
Clinics and hospitals are filled with cases of Influenza-like illness (ILI) and respiratory syncytial virus, which are caused by influenza. Patients complain of flu, cough and fever. Children and the elderly are said to be the worst hit.
Health specialists say the sharp rise in flu, cough, fever, chest congestion and breathing problems is linked to the ongoing cold and dry spell and the lack of rainfall.
In Islamabad, influenza-like cases are notably higher due to unstable weather, dry cold conditions, low precipitation and heavy tourist movement to and from the northern areas.
Experts urge people to eat traditional winter foods like dry fruits, warm soups, flaxseed ladoo and panjiri to keep the body warm. Parents should ensure children stay covered with sweaters, caps, gloves and socks.
They warn that even small lapses in this season can lead to serious infections, so taking precautions is vital.
