KARACHI: As the cold wave persists in Karachi, the health authorities have warned of a new wave of COVID-19 among patients experiencing cold and cough symptoms.
Professor Saeed Khan said that the positive rate of the virus has been recorded at 30% among the patients affected with cough and fever at the Dow University Hospital.
Professor Khan, who is an infectious disease specialist, added that the tests reveal that 25% to 30% of these patients are positive for COVID-19. Additionally, Influenza H1N1 was diagnosed among 10% to 12% of patients, while 5% to 10% of children are suffering from respiratory tract infections.
However, the Sindh Health Department spokesperson revealed that public hospitals currently lack COVID-19 testing facilities. Since the decline of the COVID-19 pandemic, people have largely stopped getting tested.
Medical experts have advised citizens to adopt preventive measures to protect themselves from viral infections and other illnesses. They emphasised wearing masks, keeping oneself covered, and getting an annual influenza vaccine.
Earlier, the National Institute of Health (NIH) issued an advisory regarding the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), stating that the public should remain calm regarding the virus as several cases of seasonal influenza, especially influenza A and B, are emerging in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s top health institution advised the public to focus on precautionary measures including regular hand-washing and proper coughing etiquette to avoid contracting viral illnesses.
