By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE – Lahore’s worsening air quality, coupled with seasonal respiratory infections, has triggered a surge in hospital visits, with more than 35,000 patients reporting flu-like symptoms at six major public hospitals over the past week, according to sources.
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Hospitals across the provincial capital have reported an increase in patients complaining of fever, persistent cough, runny nose, sore throat and body aches. The growing number of cases has raised concerns about the combined impact of smog, seasonal influenza and circulating COVID-19 variants.
Mayo Hospital reported the highest number of patients, with more than 11,000 people seeking medical attention for flu-like symptoms during the seven-day period.
Services Hospital received over 9,800 patients, while Jinnah Hospital reported more than 1,000 cases. Lahore General Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Children’s Hospital also witnessed a substantial influx of patients experiencing similar respiratory complaints.
The reported figures cover patients presenting with symptoms associated with respiratory illnesses and do not represent laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 or influenza.
Sources said rapid testing had identified some COVID-19-positive cases, adding another dimension to the growing health concerns in Lahore.
Medical experts have cautioned against dismissing respiratory symptoms as ordinary seasonal flu, particularly as different infections and exposure to polluted air can produce similar clinical signs.
The head of the ENT Department at Services Hospital said newer COVID-19 variants might cause less severe illness than earlier strains, but stressed that people should not take their symptoms lightly.
He advised patients to avoid diagnosing their conditions themselves or taking medicines without professional guidance. Instead, anyone experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms should seek medical assessment from a qualified doctor.
Professor Shahbaz Ghouri also highlighted the overlapping symptoms of COVID-19, seasonal influenza and smog-related respiratory conditions. He said the similarities could make it difficult for people to identify the underlying cause without appropriate medical evaluation.
The situation has renewed attention on the health risks associated with deteriorating air quality, particularly for people already experiencing respiratory discomfort.
Residents have been advised to limit unnecessary outdoor exposure, use protective face masks when venturing outside and maintain personal hygiene to reduce the risk of infections.
Doctors have also stressed the importance of timely consultation rather than relying on self-medication, especially when symptoms persist or become more severe.
With thousands of patients seeking treatment across public hospitals, the latest figures underscore the mounting healthcare burden as Lahore faces the combined challenge of seasonal illnesses and worsening environmental conditions.
