The National Institute of Health (NIH) Islamabad has issued an advisory for the prevention and control of seasonal Influenza H3N2.
According to the NIH advisory, during the 2025–26 season, Influenza A (H3N2) subclade K has emerged globally.
Since August 2025, a rapid increase in H3N2 cases has been reported in various regions of the world. In South Asia, influenza cases increased from May to November, with 66 percent of cases being H3N2.
Significant H3N2 cases were also reported in Australia and New Zealand. In Pakistan, there has been an increase in ILI and SARI cases, with 340,856 suspected cases reported.
In Pakistan, 12 percent of the tested samples were found positive for H3N2.
According to the advisory, elderly people, pregnant women, children, and patients are at higher risk, and vaccination is the most effective means of preventing influenza.
The NIH has advised citizens to maintain hand hygiene and avoid visiting crowded places.
