ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued an advisory on the prevention and control of Seasonal Influenza (H3N2) in view of a rising number of cases reported globally and within Pakistan.
The advisory aims to alert provincial health authorities and other relevant stakeholders to ensure timely preventive and control measures.
It also calls for preparedness to manage an expected increase in patient load in outpatient and inpatient departments during the coming months.
According to NIH, influenza is an acute viral respiratory illness caused by Influenza A and B viruses and is responsible for annual epidemics worldwide.
Influenza A is associated with higher transmissibility and more severe disease, particularly among older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals suffering from chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and cardiac or lung diseases.
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 South-East 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 been observed in Australia and New Zealand, where a substantial proportion of influenza cases belong to the H3N2 subclade.
Pakistan is also experiencing 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 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.
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 emphasizes that seasonal influenza may initially present with mild symptoms but can progress to severe or complicated illness, especially among high-risk groups.
Vaccination has been highlighted as the most effective method to prevent influenza infection and reduce severe outcomes, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Influenza viruses spread primarily through coughing and sneezing, as well as via contaminated hands and surfaces.
To limit transmission, the NIH has advised 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.
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.
