Super-Flu

In Pakistan, "Super Flu" Situation is Under Control, but Demands Preventive Measures

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirms a global rise in influenza activity.

There is a rise in "super-flu" cases due to the influenza A(H3N2) virus and subclades K (a new variant), primarily in European countries. World Health Organization (WHO) confirms rise in flu activity in several countries. In Pakistan, according to health experts, there is no need to panic because the situation is caused by the existing virus with a slight mutation.

Symptoms:

As per the Doctors, the super flu and common cold have similar symptoms. However, the key differences, helping in distinguishing between the two, are:

• The strength of the symptoms.
• How quickly the symptoms appear.

The common cold usually appears gradually with a mild cough, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose, light fatigue, and nasal congestion.

On the other side, the super flu starts suddenly with high intensity marked by high fever, muscle and joint pain, severe fatigue, dry cough, and headaches.

Also includes loss of appetite, chills, sweating, and sometimes diarrhea.

“A new vaccine is introduced every year in August, and I suggest that it should be administered to aged people and those who are immunocompromised,” Chief of Public Health Laboratories, Dr Muhammad Salman

“No deaths linked to the variant have been reported in Pakistan, but the number of patients presenting with flu and chest complications has risen,” Senior Principal Medical Officer and consultant Dr Masood Akhtar Sheikh 

In Europe, the super flu increased hospitalizations. However, in Pakistan, it is not a pandemic threat.