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Summary The rising number of patients has highlighted growing public health concerns in Lahore, where seasonal infections and deteriorating air quality are placing additional pressure on healthcare facilities
LAHORE (Web Desk) – More than 35,000 patients suffering from flu-like symptoms have been reported at six major government hospitals in Lahore over the past seven days as worsening smog and the spread of seasonal and viral infections add to health concerns.
According to sources, patients experiencing fever, cough, cold, sore throat and body aches have increasingly sought medical attention amid deteriorating air quality and reports of coronavirus variants and influenza infections.
Mayo Hospital recorded more than 11,000 patients with symptoms associated with flu, COVID-19 and influenza during the past week. Services Hospital reported over 9,800 such patients, while more than 1,000 patients visited Jinnah Hospital.
Thousands of additional patients with flu-like symptoms also sought treatment at Lahore General Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Children's Hospital, according to sources.
Sources further revealed that rapid testing had detected positive COVID-19 cases, adding to concerns over the spread of respiratory infections in the provincial capital.
The Head of the ENT Department at Services Hospital said newer COVID-19 variants might be less severe than earlier strains but warned that their symptoms should not be ignored.
He advised people experiencing flu-like symptoms against self-diagnosis and self-medication, urging them to consult qualified medical professionals for proper assessment and treatment.
Professor Shahbaz Ghouri said COVID-19, seasonal flu and smog-related respiratory problems could produce similar symptoms, making it difficult to distinguish between them without proper medical evaluation.
He stressed the importance of precautionary measures and timely medical examinations, particularly as air pollution and viral infections continue to affect residents.
In view of worsening air quality and the spread of respiratory illnesses, citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, wear face masks when going outside and maintain proper hygiene.
The rising number of patients has highlighted growing public health concerns in Lahore, where seasonal infections and deteriorating air quality are placing additional pressure on healthcare facilities.
More than 35,000 patients with flu-like symptoms visited six Lahore government hospitals in seven days amid worsening smog and reported viral infections.
