Karachi faces H3N2 flu surge; vulnerable groups most affected

• Karachi is facing a surge in influenza cases, primarily due to the spreading H3N2 strain, following an earlier H1N1 outbreak.
• Hospitals report an increase in patients, with children, the elderly, and pregnant women most affected by symptoms like fever, cough, and body aches.
• The H3N2 strain often causes longer-lasting cold and sore throat, with severe cases potentially leading to pneumonia and persistent coughing.
• Doctors note overlapping symptoms with COVID-19 and attribute the rise to seasonal changes, recommending preventive measures like masks, hand hygiene, and vaccination.

Why It Matters: Rising H3N2 flu cases highlight health risks and the need for preventive action.