COVID-19, Influenza, and Respiratory Infections Begin to Spread in Karachi; Large Numbers of Citizens Suffering from Cold, Cough, and Fever.
According to Dow Hospital’s infectious diseases expert, Professor Saeed Khan, 25 to 30 percent of patients are testing positive for COVID-19, while 10 to 12 percent are confirmed to have Influenza H1N1.
He further stated that 5 to 10 percent of children are being diagnosed with respiratory infections. The symptoms of COVID-19, Influenza H1N1, and other viral infections prevalent in winter are quite similar.
Professor Saeed Khan added that many patients avoid getting tested, which makes it difficult to confirm the spread of these illnesses.
Dr. Nizam Sheikh, Additional Medical Superintendent of Civil Hospital, reported that the hospital is receiving 200 viral infection patients daily.
Similarly, Dr. Irfan, head of the emergency department at Jinnah Hospital, said that 150 to 200 viral infection patients are arriving at the hospital daily.
On the other hand, a spokesperson for the Sindh Health Department stated that government hospitals currently do not have COVID-19 testing facilities. After the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, people largely stopped getting tested.
Medical experts have emphasized the importance of adopting preventive measures to avoid viral infections and other diseases. They have urged citizens to wear masks and keep themselves covered.
Experts also recommended that citizens ensure they receive the influenza vaccine annually.
