Flu cases have doubled at major public hospitals in Karachi over the past week as temperatures begin to drop at night, prompting doctors to urge residents to take precautions against seasonal infections.
At Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), daily patients reporting flu-like symptoms have increased from around 30–40 to approximately 70–80, according to Dr Irfan Siddiqui, head of the hospital’s emergency department.
Dr Siddiqui said patients had been reporting flu symptoms for more than a month, but numbers rose sharply over the past eight to 10 days amid the seasonal shift towards winter. He added that hospital figures may represent only part of the overall number of people affected, as many patients initially seek treatment at local clinics.
Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi has also reported a significant increase. Daily flu cases have risen from around eight to 10 to approximately 30–40, said Dr Imran Sarwar, the hospital’s additional medical superintendent and emergency department head. Patients include people from different age groups, with younger adults accounting for a substantial share.
Doctors said children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems may be more vulnerable to complications. They also reported cases involving several members of the same family.
Health experts have advised residents to wash their hands frequently, avoid close contact with people who are ill, stay home when experiencing symptoms, drink enough fluids and get adequate sleep. Annual flu vaccination can also help reduce the risk of seasonal influenza and its complications.
Doctors have urged the public to take symptoms seriously, particularly if the illness becomes severe or recovery is unusually slow. People with concerning symptoms should seek medical advice, while those at higher risk should consult a healthcare professional about vaccination and appropriate precautions.
The increase comes as Karachi experiences a seasonal transition towards winter, when cooler nights may coincide with a rise in flu-like illnesses.
