r Zain Bhatti, a consultant physician at Lahore General Hospital, is witnessing a winter wave unlike any he has seen before. Describing the current surge in flu cases across his clinics in Lahore and Gujranwala as “unprecedented,” Dr Bhatti warns that the sheer volume of patients marks a significant departure from seasonal norms.

This is not strictly a local phenomenon. The outbreak reflects a global trend: in the UK, hospitals are currently under severe stress as citizens rush for vaccinations. Ali Sajjad, a UK-based Pakistani publisher who divides his time between Lahore and London, notes the irony of the situation: “I returned to Lahore to escape the flu [in London], only to find Lahore already under its spell.”

The culprit behind the surge is the H3N2 influenza strain, specifically a new genetic variant known as Subclade K. Dubbed the Super Flu, this variant is characterised by its high transmissibility and its tendency to cause more virulent illness than standard seasonal flu.

While influenza typically poses the greatest risk to the elderly, this strain has shown a concerning shift in demographic vulnerability. “Interestingly, the fresh strain appears to be targeting the young,” says Dr Bhatti. The high influx of younger patients in private clinics has become a hallmark of this particular wave.

The scale of the outbreak is reflected in recent data. Over the past fortnight, more than 50,000 influenza cases have been reported in government hospitals across the Punjab, with Lahore emerging as hardest hit city. The Health Department notes that these are clinical diagnoses based on symptoms rather than laboratory-confirmed tests, the National Institute of Health has confirmed the trend.

While influenza typically poses the greatest risk to the elderly, this strain has shown a concerning shift in demographic vulnerability. “Interestingly, this fresh strain appears to be targeting the young,” says Dr Bhatti.

Between epidemiological weeks 44 and 49, the NIH recorded 340,856 suspected cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) nationwide. Of the samples tested, 12 percent were confirmed positive for H3N2. With the flu season expected to last until February, the NIH has issued an official advisory urging provincial departments to prepare for a sustained surge.

he symptoms of the Super Flu are intense and often come on suddenly. Patients should look out for high fever and body aches; dry cough and severe sore throat; headache and fatigue; loss of appetite; and disrupted sleep.

Dr Bhatti emphasises that because this is a viral infection, antibiotics are ineffective unless a secondary bacterial infection develops. “The focus must be on rest, hydration and supportive care,” he advises. Simple measures, such as drinking warm water and taking anti-inflammatories like paracetamol, are the primary lines of defence.

Health experts are also advocating for a return to basic preventative measures. These include:

Vaccination: Despite low historical uptake in Pakistan, the flu jab remains the most effective tool for reducing symptom severity. Health experts recommend the pneumonia vaccine for vulnerable groups to prevent secondary complications;

Hygiene and masking: Wearing masks in crowded areas and frequent handwashing significantly reduces transmission;

Environmental

protection: Covering up against cold, foggy or misty air can help maintain respiratory health.

With the peak of the season still ahead, the message from the medical community is clear: precaution and patient education are key to navigating this unprecedented winter wave.

Ahsan Raza is the editor of Minute Mirror. He can be reached at ahsanbudh @hotmail.com