H3N2 In India: How To Avoid Contracting H3N2 Influenza

According to the Indian government, two people have died from the H3N2 influenza virus - one in Haryana and one in Karnataka [1].

The first death from the H3N2 virus was that of an 82-year-old man from Karnataka, who had diabetes and hypertension. Additionally, 90 cases of the H3N2 virus and eight cases of the H1N1 virus have been detected in the country.

Experts have highlighted that the influenza H3N2 virus has changed its pattern unexpectedly in just six months and is leading to serious health issues, including severe pulmonary infections.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) report that influenza A subtype H3N2 is causing respiratory problems among many Indians. Here are some guidelines for preventing infection with H3N2 influenza [2].

How To Avoid Contracting H3N2 Influenza?

Virus patterns have changed dramatically and unexpectedly over the last several decades, according to experts [3].

There have been significant changes in the pattern of viral infections over the past 6 months. In the past, influenza is usually regarded as the number one disease that causes hospitalizations, but the Influenza A virus subtype H3N2 has caused many respiratory tract infections this year

Moreover, the change in pattern is not only resulting in hospitalisations, but many patients are also requiring intensive care unit admissions [4].

The following steps can be taken in order to prevent contracting H3N2 influenza:

Despite not being as dangerous as COVID-19, H3N2 is another respiratory virus that people should be aware of.

Take the following precautions to prevent contracting H3N2 influenza:

• Always wash your hands with soap and water before eating or touching your face.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve, and discard used tissues as soon as possible.
• Whenever possible, avoid close contact with sick individuals.
• Avoid spreading the virus to others by staying home if you are sick.
• In crowded areas or situations where social distancing is difficult, wear a mask.

Flu vaccines are also effective in preventing the spread of H3N2 influenza and other types of influenza viruses. Every year, everyone over six months of age should receive a flu vaccine [5].

On A Final Note...

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has advised patients to consume plenty of fluids, avoid touching their eyes and noses and take paracetamol only for fevers and body aches.