A nurse prepares an injection of the flu vaccine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts January 10, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS
PESHAWAR:
The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has sent five samples of the influenza virus from Peshawar and other districts to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad for testing, following concerns over the spread of the H3N2 “super flu” reported in several countries.
Currently, the province is witnessing an increase in cases of seasonal influenza, leading to a significant increase in patient influx, especially in major hospitals. Children make up the majority of these patients suffering from respiratory and chest infections, influenza and pneumonia. As a result, pediatric and chest wards are operating above capacity, with reports of up to four children sharing a single bed, highlighting the critical state of hospital facilities.
Sources indicate that numerous seasonal flu cases are being reported from Peshawar and surrounding districts. Fear of the H3N2 strain has prompted families to rush affected patients to hospitals immediately, further straining resources. Although the flu samples sent to the NIH two months ago have not yet returned results, the health department remains unaware of any confirmed cases of “super flu.”
According to officials, the Ministry of Health has issued comprehensive guidelines to all hospitals instructing medical staff to use masks and gloves and follow preventive measures. Hospitals have been asked to isolate symptomatic patients and immediately report any suspected cases. Earlier, NIH tests had identified H3N2 in 20 percent of submitted samples, raising alarm about potential outbreaks.
Experts warn that the latest cold wave could worsen the situation and further increase the number of cases. In Peshawar’s three major hospitals alone, over 60,000 seasonal flu cases have already been recorded, with several districts reportedly facing even worse conditions. Contributing factors include extreme cold, gas shortages and limited medical facilities.
Common symptoms among patients include severe cough, cold, headache, body aches and, in some cases, fever.
