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H3N2 Flu Cases With Severe Symptoms In India: Do's And Dont's
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has observed an increase in cases of severe coughs lasting over a week, coupled with fever, across the country. ICMR said on Saturday that rising cases of severe coughs lasting for over a week may be linked to Influenza A H3N2, a subtype of the influenza virus.
There has been an increase in the number of patients experiencing symptoms such as cough, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, fever, body ache, and even diarrhea.
What We Know About The Rise In Influenza Cases In Inda
In India, a high number of cases of fever and flu have been reported. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has reported that these symptoms are caused by Influenza A subtype H3N2 [1].
Compared to other subtypes of influenza, H3N2 causes more hospitalisations. Experts estimate that it has been circulating widely in India for the past two to three months.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), in response to an increase in cough, cold, and nausea cases in the country, has advised against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics [2].
Doctors have also been encouraged to prescribe only symptomatic treatment and not antibiotics, according to the association.
What Are The Symptoms Of Influenza A H3N2?
Generally, the symptoms consist of a persistent cough accompanied by fever. In recent years, many patients have complained of prolonged symptoms [3]. Symptoms are stronger and persist for a prolonged period after the patient has recovered, according to experts.
The condition is not life-threatening, however some patients require admission due to respiratory problems. Some of the symptoms are similar to those of Covid, however the patients have been found to be negative for Covid.
The ICMR's Dos And Don'ts For H3N2
In addition, the ICMR has provided a list of Dos and Don'ts for people to follow in order to prevent the spread of the virus [4].
Dos:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Avoid crowded areas and wear a face mask.
- Keep your hands away from your nose and mouth.
- While coughing and sneezing, cover your nose and mouth appropriately.
- Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- Take paracetamol if you have a fever or body ache.
Don't s:
- Handshakes or other contact-based greetings are not appropriate.
- Spitting in public.
- Don't self-medicate. You should consult your doctor before taking antibiotics or other medicines.
- Sit close to others while eating.
Who Are At Risk Of Influenza H3N2?
Children younger than 5 years of age are considered to be at higher risk of serious flu complications, however, the highest rates of hospitalisations and deaths occur among those younger than 2 years of age.
The following individuals are at an increased risk of developing complications due to Influenza H3N2:
- 65 and older adults
- Asthma
- Stroke patients
- Conditions affecting the nervous system and the brain
- A blood disorder (such as sickle cell anemia)
- Lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis)
- Obese individuals with a body mass index over 40
- People with a weakened immune system due to disease (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or some cancers such as leukemia) or medications (such as those receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer or those with chronic conditions requiring chronic corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress the immune system).
- Women who are pregnant and women who are up to two weeks postpartum.
On A Final Note...
According to the Indian Medical Association, doctors should not prescribe antibiotics before determining whether the infection is bacterial, as this may result in resistance to antibiotics.
Most current cases of fever, cough, sore throat and body aches are influenza-related, and antibiotics are not required for those cases.
Experts recommend that the general public practice good hand and respiratory hygiene. The infection typically lasts a week, but coughing may last for a longer period of time.
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