Flu cases double at Karachi hospitals in over a week amid seasonal shift
• JPMC, CHK report more cases over past 10 days than first half of month • Experts advise frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with sick people and staying hydrated KARACHI: The city is seeing a spike in the number of flu cases over the past eight to 10 days, senior health experts shared on Monday, urging people to take precautionary measures to cope with changing weather conditions. “We…
Karachi hospitals have witnessed a doubling of flu cases in under a week, as seasonal weather changes bring the virus to the fore, according to senior health experts. Dr Irfan Siddiqui, heading the emergency department at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), reported that the number of flu cases rose from 30 to 40 per day to 70 to 80, a stark increase from the first half of the month.
Similar spikes were noted at CHK, with patient numbers rising from eight-10 daily to 30-40, a trend affecting all age groups, though younger individuals aged 20-30 are most prevalent. Experts advise frequent hand washing, avoiding close contact with the sick, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to ward off the flu.
The spike in cases is attributed to the seasonal shift towards winter, particularly the drop in nighttime temperatures, and the public's reluctance to alter their eating habits and lifestyle in response to changing weather. Flu patients are predominantly aged between 18 and 32, with many being heavy smokers and drug users. The recommended preventive measure is to get a flu shot early in the season, though it is costly and primarily available at private healthcare facilities.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
