KEY POINTS
- NIH issues advisory on H3N2 amid rising cases
- New H3N2 Subclade K spreading globally
- Over 340,000 suspected flu cases reported in Pakistan
- High-risk groups face greater danger of severe illness
- Vaccination and hygiene stressed as key prevention
ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan records a rise in H3N2 influenza cases, commonly known as “super flu,” the National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory on the prevention and control of Seasonal Influenza (H3N2), also referred to as K flu.
The advisory has been issued in response to the increasing number of cases reported both globally and within the country, and aims to alert provincial health authorities and other relevant stakeholders to take timely preventive and control measures.
Preparedness Urged for Increased Patient Load
The NIH has also called for preparedness to manage an expected increase in patient load in outpatient and inpatient departments during the coming months, as influenza activity intensifies during the winter season.
About Seasonal Influenza
According to the NIH, influenza is an acute viral respiratory illness caused by Influenza A and B viruses and is responsible for annual epidemics worldwide.
Influenza A, in particular, is associated with higher transmissibility and more severe disease, especially among older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and cardiac or lung diseases.
Emergence of New H3N2 Subclade
The advisory notes that during the 2025–2026 influenza season, a new genetic subclade of Influenza A(H3N2), known as Subclade K, has emerged globally. Since August 2025, a rapid increase in H3N2 cases has been reported across several World Health Organization (WHO) regions.
In the Southeast Asia region, influenza positivity has increased significantly, with H3N2 accounting for 66 percent of all Influenza A cases reported between May and the end of November 2025. Similar trends have also been observed in Australia and New Zealand, where a substantial proportion of influenza cases belong to the H3N2 subclade.
Also Read: What is ‘Super Flu’ and Why is it Hitting the UK and Europe Hard This Winter?
The National Health Service in England has reported a sharp rise in K flu cases since December 7, revealing on December 11 that flu hospitalisations surged by more than 50 percent in just one week. An average of 2,660 patients per day were admitted with flu last week, the highest level ever recorded for this time of year and a 55 percent increase compared to the previous week.
Health officials warned that the peak of infections is still ahead. The rapid spread of this strain is being linked to lower population immunity, as people have had limited exposure to it in recent years, allowing the virus to transmit more easily.
Rising Influenza Cases in Pakistan
Pakistan is also witnessing a rise in influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases. Surveillance data collected through the Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response System of NIH show that a total of 340,856 suspected ILI cases were reported from epidemiological weeks 44 to 49 across the country, with 12 percent of tested samples confirmed positive for H3N2.
What are the symptoms of super flu?
- a sudden high temperature
- an aching body
- feeling tired or exhausted
- a dry cough
- a sore throat
- a headache
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
- diarrhoea or tummy pain
- feeling sick and being sick
Talking to WE News English, medical expert Dr. Jehangir Khan of CDA hospital in Islamabad, said that to prevent “super flu” (H3N2) and lower the risk of severe illness, people should adopt simple precautionary measures.
He stressed that seasonal flu vaccination remains the most effective protection, particularly for older adults, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases. He advised maintaining good hygiene through frequent handwashing, using sanitizers, and avoiding touching the face with unclean hands.
Dr. Khan also recommended avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated areas, wearing masks in high-risk settings, and following proper cough and sneeze etiquette. Strengthening immunity through adequate rest, a healthy diet, hydration, and physical activity is also important.
He urged people with flu symptoms to stay home, seek timely medical advice, keep frequently touched surfaces clean, and ensure early treatment to prevent complications, especially among vulnerable groups.
Warning of a Potentially Severe Flu Season
Keeping in view the recent upsurge of influenza cases, limited access to healthcare services in some areas, gaps in infection prevention and control practices, and low public awareness, the NIH has warned that the ongoing flu season in Pakistan could be severe.
The advisory emphasises that seasonal influenza may initially present with mild symptoms but can progress to severe or complicated illness, particularly among high-risk groups.
Vaccination and Preventive Measures Emphasized
Vaccination has been highlighted as the most effective method to prevent influenza infection and reduce severe outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations. The NIH noted that influenza viruses spread primarily through coughing and sneezing, as well as via contaminated hands and surfaces.
To limit transmission, the advisory recommends frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, avoiding crowded places when ill, taking adequate rest, and observing social distancing measures.
Continuous Monitoring and Response
The NIH further stated that the Public Health Emergency Operations Center at the CDC-NIH is continuously monitoring the influenza situation and coordinating response efforts to mitigate the impact of seasonal influenza across the country.
