LAHORE: A dangerous surge in super flu, influenza and other viral infections has been seen in different cities of Punjab especially Lahore due to heavy smog and air pollution.
Hospitals have reported a significant increase in patients suffering from flu, cough, chest infections, pneumonia, and fever. Over the past week, more than 47,000 patients visited five major government hospitals in Lahore.
Mayo Hospital recorded over 10,000 patients, Jinnah Hospital more than 9,000, Services Hospital over 8,000, while General Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and Ganga Ram Hospital together treated more than 6,000 patients.
Medical experts say common super flu symptoms include cold, sneezing, cough, high fever, and difficulty breathing.
Pneumonia cases among children and the elderly are also on the rise, with individuals having weak immunity being particularly vulnerable.
Authorities advise high-risk groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses, to take special precautions. Doctors are recommending regular mask use and getting the flu vaccine.
Concerns have also been raised as no government BSL-3 laboratories in Punjab are currently conducting influenza virus tests, and the health department lacks modern diagnostic kits for the H3N2 variant.
