Summary More than 35,000 patients with flu, COVID-19 and influenza-like symptoms visited six major Lahore hospitals in a week amid rising smog and viral infections.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Air pollution has reached alarming levels in the provincial capital, with Lahore's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) surpassing 500, posing serious health risks to residents.
According to the Meteorological Department, Lahore has emerged as the world's most polluted city, topping the list of cities with the worst air quality.
Allama Iqbal Town remained the worst-affected area in terms of air pollution, recording an AQI of 912. The index was recorded at 698 on Burki Road, 619 in Gulberg, 569 in DHA Phase 5 and 471 in Model Town.
The alarming air quality situation has exposed residents to serious health risks, raising concerns about the impact of hazardous pollution levels on public health.
Experts have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and wear protective masks whenever they need to step outside.
They have also urged residents to take special care of children, elderly people and individuals suffering from respiratory illnesses, as these groups are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution.
More than 35,000 patients with flu, COVID-19 and influenza-like symptoms have been reported at six major government hospitals in Lahore over the past seven days, as worsening smog and the spread of viral infections add to health concerns among residents.
According to sources, citizens are increasingly reporting symptoms including fever, cough, cold, sore throat and body aches amid the spread of different COVID-19 variants and influenza viruses.
More than 11,000 patients with flu, COVID-19 and influenza-like symptoms visited Mayo Hospital during the past week, while over 9,800 patients were reported at Services Hospital and more than 1,000 at Jinnah Hospital.
Thousands of other patients with similar flu-like symptoms also sought medical treatment at General Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Children's Hospital during the same period.
Sources further revealed that rapid testing had also detected COVID-19 positive cases, adding to concerns over the city's worsening health situation.
The Head of the ENT Department at Services Hospital said different COVID-19 variants might be less severe than those reported previously, but their symptoms should not be ignored. He advised citizens to consult qualified doctors if they developed flu-like symptoms instead of relying on self-diagnosis and treatment.
Professor Shahbaz Ghauri said COVID-19, influenza and smog could produce similar symptoms associated with respiratory illnesses, making it important for citizens to take precautionary measures and seek timely medical examinations.
In view of increasing air pollution and the spread of viral infections across the city, residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities, wear face masks and pay particular attention to personal hygiene.
