Rising flu cases - The Express Tribune

The rising number of flu cases in Karachi is a growing public health concern. Driven by changing weather, a sharp influx of patients with flu-like symptoms is straining emergency departments across the city. It is crucial for citizens to adopt preventive measures before the situation escalates further. Recommended protocols include an annual flu vaccination. Making these vaccines affordable and accessible at government hospitals would encourage widespread adoption and reduce severe cases. Parallel to this, public awareness regarding personal hygiene remains critically limited. Simple, daily habits — such as regular handwashing, covering the mouth when coughing and staying home when sick — can significantly curtail the spread of infection. Sustained educational campaigns through mass media, alongside targeted awareness programs in schools and colleges, are vital to cultivating these practices. Integrating affordable vaccination with robust hygiene awareness offers a pragmatic path to protecting households and easing the burden on our healthcare system. Laiba Siddiqui Karachi

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