KARACHI: Pakistan, along with parts of the world, is experiencing a surge in H3N2 influenza cases, prompting health experts to raise alarms about the highly transmissible virus, often referred to as the “super flu” due to its rapid spread and potential severity.
The H3N2 virus spreads through airborne droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces, and crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
Symptoms typically appear suddenly and can be intense, including high fever, severe fatigue, body aches, dry cough, sore throat, headache, and occasionally vomiting or diarrhea, particularly in children.
While H3N2 can infect anyone, older adults, young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, and people with chronic conditions face a higher risk of severe illness.
The virus mutates frequently, which contributes to its quick transmission and the potential for hospitalization or even death among vulnerable groups.
Prevention relies on annual flu vaccination, maintaining good hygiene, wearing masks in crowded spaces, and staying home when unwell.
Treatment involves antiviral medications, symptomatic relief, and hospital care for severe cases.
Most healthy individuals experience mild to moderate symptoms, usually recovering within a week, but experts emphasize vaccination and preventive measures to protect high-risk populations.
In Pakistan, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) confirmed widespread circulation of H3N2, warning that although treatable, the virus spreads faster than typical seasonal flu.
Between late October and early December, over 340,000 suspected flu cases were reported nationwide, with 12% testing positive for H3N2. The surge has been linked to a highly transmissible genetic variant, Sub-clade K.
