Super Flu Risk Increases Due to Lack of Vaccine

The risk of the superflu virus has increased in Pakistan due to the unavailability of a vaccine, as the issue came under discussion at the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament.

During a meeting of the PAC sub-committee, Convener Shahida Akhtar said that even the Parliament dispensary lacks medicines for flu and allergies. She added that serious complaints regarding the spread of the superflu virus are emerging across the country.

Officials from the Ministry of Health told the committee that no confirmed diagnosis or vaccine for super flu is currently available at the global level.

They said air pollution is a major factor contributing to the spread of the virus and advised citizens to adopt preventive measures, including wearing masks and taking precautionary steps.

Officials added that authorities are awaiting the development of a new vaccine for super flu.

Shahida Akhtar criticized the delay in research, stating that foreign vaccines are generally effective, while locally available vaccines often fail to deliver results.

She said that by the time research is completed, the situation usually worsens.

Health officials informed the committee that the virus changes its variant every year and that another virus is also circulating alongside the super flu.

They said the virus is currently more prevalent in northern areas and typically spreads between November and March.