KARACHI: Influenza cases have surged by 20% across public and private hospitals in Karachi, accompanied by a steady, ongoing presence of mild COVID-19 cases. According to pulmonologist Dr. Javed Khan, the annual influenza vaccine is currently unavailable in private hospitals, leaving regular recipients waiting. Meanwhile, the city continues to report 3 to 4 COVID-19 cases weekly, which typically present mild pneumonia symptoms from which patients recover within 2 to 3 days. In light of these developments, health experts advise citizens exhibiting flu-like symptoms—such as fever, cough, or cold—to wear masks, maintain social distance, practice regular hand hygiene, and avoid crowded gatherings.
