ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has detected a rapidly spreading mutated subclade of Influenza A H3N2, known as subclade K, but health authorities say there is no cause for panic and stress that seasonal flu vaccines continue to protect against severe disease and hospitalisation.
Officials at the National Institute of Health confirmed on Friday that most influenza samples analysed in recent weeks were of the H3N2 strain and that multiple subclades are circulating in the country, including the mutated subclade K. They said the detection reflects global trends and urged people, particularly the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza.
According to NIH officials, subclade K of the H3N2 virus has been associated with more intense flu activity in several parts of the world and has been dubbed a “super flu” in the United Kingdom. However, they emphasised that there is no evidence so far that the virus causes more severe disease than earlier strains.
Citing the World Health Organisation’s latest assessment, the NIH said Influenza A H3N2 subclade K, previously known as J.2.4.1, is a genetically distinct lineage that has dominated the early 2025 to 2026 flu season globally. The virus shows noticeable genetic differences from the H3N2 strain selected for this season’s vaccine, which may reduce protection against infection, but early data indicate that vaccines still provide meaningful protection against severe illness.
Emerging infectious diseases expert and former director general health Dr Rana Muhammad Safdar said Pakistan is currently in the peak flu transmission season and a surge in cases is expected as temperatures fall. He said influenza usually affects people at the extremes of age, with children playing a major role in transmission but rarely developing severe disease, while older adults with underlying conditions are more likely to suffer complications and require hospital care. Dr Safdar warned that dense fog and winter conditions prevailing in many parts of the country could further facilitate transmission.
Health experts advise standard preventive measures including wearing masks in crowded places, frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with people showing flu like symptoms.
