Due to smog across Punjab including Lahore, a dangerous increase is being observed in cases of super flu, influenza, and other viral infections.
As a result of air pollution, there has been a continuous rise in the number of patients suffering from flu, cough, chest infections, pneumonia, and fever.
According to sources, more than 47,000 patients were reported in five major government hospitals of Lahore during the past week. More than 10,000 patients visited Mayo Hospital in one week, over 9,000 patients were reported at Jinnah Hospital, while more than 8,000 patients were recorded at Services Hospital.
Similarly, more than 6,000 patients were reported at General Hospital, Children’s Hospital, and Ganga Ram Hospital.
According to medical experts, common symptoms of super flu include cold, flu, cough, high fever, and difficulty in breathing. A worrying increase in pneumonia cases is also being observed among children and the elderly, while individuals with weak immune systems are being more severely affected by super flu.
Health experts say that children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people suffering from chronic diseases are at high risk and therefore require special care. Medical experts have strongly advised citizens to use masks regularly and get vaccinated against flu.
On the other hand, sources say that influenza tests are not being conducted in any government BSL 3 laboratory in Punjab, and the Punjab Health Department also does not have diagnostic kits available for the latest influenza variant H3N2, which has raised serious concerns.
