COVID Positivity Rate Among Cold, Cough Patients in Karachi Hits 30%
The symptoms of COVID-19, Influenza H1N1, and other winter viral infections often overlap, making it difficult to differentiate without testing.
Cold wave in Karachi drives rise in cold, cough, and fever cases.
Professor Saeed Khan, an infectious disease expert at Dow University Hospital, reported that 30% of patients experiencing these symptoms tested positive for COVID-19.
Professor Khan highlighted that while many people are dealing with cold, cough, and fever, 25% to 30% of them are COVID-positive.
Karachi sees 10-12% H1N1 cases, 5-10% respiratory infections in children.
The symptoms of COVID-19, Influenza H1N1, and other winter viral infections often overlap, making it difficult to differentiate without testing.
Dr. Nizam Sheikh, Medical Superintendent at Civil Hospital, shared that the hospital treats around 200 viral infection cases daily, while Jinnah Hospital handles 150 to 200 similar cases.
Despite this, the Sindh Health Department spokesperson noted that public hospitals currently lack COVID-19 testing facilities, as testing has decreased since the pandemic’s decline.
Experts urge the public to adopt preventive measures, including wearing masks, staying warm, and getting the annual influenza vaccine to minimize the spread of these illnesses.