The National Institute of Health (NIH) on Tuesday reported that 340,856 suspected cases of H3N2 influenza have been recorded in Pakistan, with 12 percent of tested samples returning positive.
According to the NIH, the elderly, pregnant women, children, and patients with chronic illnesses are at higher risk of severe infection.
The advisory highlights that in the 2025-26 season, the H3N2A subclade of influenza has emerged globally, with cases increasing rapidly in multiple regions since August 2025.
Vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent influenza.
In addition, the advisory recommends hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding crowded places as essential preventive measures.
The NIH has issued an advisory in view of the increasing threat of seasonal influenza H3N2.
In the 2025/26 season, influenza A(H3N2) subclade K has emerged globally.
According to the NIH, a sharp increase in H3N2 cases was reported in various global regions since August 2025.
There was a significant increase in influenza cases in South Asia from May to November 2025, where 66% of the cases were H3N2.
Significant cases of H3N2 have also been reported in Australia and New Zealand.
According to the advisory, an increase in ILI and SARI cases was observed in Pakistan, with 340,856 suspected cases reported during weeks 44 to 49. 12% of the samples tested were found to be H3N2 positive.
