Swine Flu and Seasonal Flu Cases Spike in Pakistan, NIH Reports

News Desk

Islamabad: The ongoing dry and cold weather in Pakistan has contributed to a surge in seasonal flu and related viruses, as reported by the National Institute of Health (NIH).

 A recent report submitted to the National Assembly revealed that between December and January, five cases of COVID-19 and 147 cases of swine flu (Influenza A) were confirmed across the country.

The report detailed that 1,724 patient samples were collected from 14 cities, including Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Gilgit, Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi, Multan, and Swat. Out of these, 511 cases of seasonal flu (Influenza B) were identified, with 129 of them being children. In addition, 147 cases of swine flu (Influenza A) were confirmed over the past month and a half.

A rare respiratory virus, metapneumovirus, which emerged in China recently, was also detected in one patient. The report also noted that 82 children tested positive for the respiratory virus.

Health experts are urging the public to take preventive measures, such as vaccination, wearing masks, and maintaining hygiene, to curb the rapid spread of respiratory infections in the country. The NIH continues to monitor the situation closely as flu cases rise during the cold season.