Karachi sees 30% COVID-19 positivity rate among cold and cough patients

In Karachi, around 30% of patients suffering from cough and cold are testing positive for COVID-19, although most do not opt for a medical test, leading to undiagnosed cases.

According to a report by Geo News on Saturday, Professor Saeed Khan, an infectious disease expert at Dow Hospital stated that a large number of people in the city are suffering from cold, cough, and fever. However, upon testing, 25 to 30 percent of patients are found to be COVID-19 positive.

He further explained that 10 to 12 percent of patients are confirmed to have the H1N1 influenza virus, while 5 to 10 percent of children are suffering from respiratory tract infections.

Professor Saeed Khan pointed out that the symptoms of COVID-19, H1N1 influenza, and other winter viral infections are similar, which often leads to patients not getting tested, thus preventing the confirmation of these diseases.

Dr. Nizam Sheikh, Additional MS, mentioned that 200 patients with viral infections are coming to Civil Hospital daily, and 150 to 200 patients are arriving at Jinnah Hospital with similar infections.

On the other hand, the spokesperson for the Sindh Health Department mentioned that currently, COVID-19 testing facilities are not available in government hospitals, and since the COVID-19 pandemic, people have stopped getting tested.

Medical experts have advised citizens to take precautionary measures, including wearing masks and covering themselves. They also recommended getting the annual flu vaccine.