Flu cases surge in Karachi hospitals as winter approaches

Over the last eight to ten days, Karachi has experienced a sharp rise in flu cases, with emergency departments at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre and Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital reporting daily admissions that have more than doubled. Dr Irfan Siddiqui explained that the increase coincides with the onset of winter and falling nighttime temperatures, and that many patients first seek care at local clinics before reaching hospitals when symptoms worsen.

He warned that the hospital numbers likely represent only a fraction of the true community burden, especially among the 18-32 age group, many of whom are heavy smokers or drug users. Dr Imran Sarwar confirmed a similar pattern at his facility, noting that families are seeing multiple members fall ill simultaneously. Both doctors emphasized basic preventive measures such as frequent hand washing, staying hydrated, avoiding cold drinks, and getting an annual flu shot, though the vaccine is costly and only available privately.