ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Monday warned of a surge in seasonal influenza cases driven by a fast-spreading H3N2 strain, often referred to as “super flu,” as health authorities confirmed the virus is circulating nationwide but stressed it remains manageable with standard treatment and vaccination.

The warning comes amid a global rise in seasonal influenza activity, with the World Health Organization reporting a growing proportion of influenza A(H3N2) cases, particularly across parts of Europe including the United Kingdom. In Pakistan, the NIH said it had recorded 340,856 suspected influenza-like illness cases between epidemiological weeks 44 and 49, with 12 percent of tested samples positive for H3N2, driven by a new genetic sub-clade known as Sub-clade K.

“Yes, we have witnessed confirmed cases of H3N2 influenza (super Flu) in Pakistan since November this year. Out of total around 1,691 cases reported throughout Pakistan since last month, 12 percent are of the so called super flu,” Dr. Shafiq-Ur-Rahman, Senior Scientific Officer at Pakistan’s Center for Disease Control (CDC), told Arab News.

He said the virus had undergone a genetic drift, a gradual mutation that is typical of influenza viruses. 

“The symptoms are similar to other influenza strains, but speed of transmission is high for H3N2,” Rahman said, adding that treatment remains the same as for other flu types and vaccination is critical to limiting spread.

In its advisory, the NIH warned that while seasonal influenza often presents with mild to moderate symptoms, H3N2 infections can rapidly progress to severe illness, particularly among high-risk groups including older adults, young children, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals and people with chronic diseases. 

The virus spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, with crowded and poorly ventilated spaces increasing the risk of transmission.

Health authorities have been directed to strengthen surveillance, preparedness and infection-control measures, including vaccination, public awareness campaigns and early treatment for severe cases. 

The NIH emphasized that seasonal influenza vaccination remains the most effective preventive tool and aligns with WHO-recommended vaccine strains for the 2025–26 northern hemisphere season, while hospitals have been advised to prepare for increased outpatient and inpatient workloads during the winter months.

Influenza typically spreads through coughing and sneezing, and while most people recover within a week without medical treatment, the illness can range from mild to severe and may lead to hospitalization or death, particularly among vulnerable populations. 

Doctors say flu symptoms usually appear suddenly and more intensely than those of the common cold, often marked by high fever, extreme fatigue, body aches and a dry cough.