H3N2 Influenza Cases Rises In India: Know Symptoms, Precautions

The Karnataka Health Minister, Dr. K. Sudhakar, announced on Monday that 26 people have tested positive for the H3N2 variant, of which two cases were reported in Bengaluru. In addition to stating that children younger than 15 are more at risk from the H3N2 variant, he stated that the variant can also infect people older than 60 [1].

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the influenza A subtype H3N2 is causing respiratory problems in many Indians.

Here is more information regarding H3N2 Influenza Symptoms and Precautions.

H3N2 Virus Outbreak In India: Everything You Need To Know

There are a number of symptoms associated with the H3N2 virus, including the following [2]:

• Chills
• Coughing
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Throat ache/ sire throat
• An ache in the muscles and body
• Diarrhoea
• Sneezing and a runny nose

How Does H3N2 Spread?

When an individual is infected with the highly contagious H3N2 influenza, droplets are released by them when they cough, sneeze, or talk. In addition, it can spread if a person touches their mouth or nose after coming into contact with a surface that contains the virus [3].

The risk of flu-related complications is higher for pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and persons with underlying medical issues.

How To Prevent H3N2?

In order to prevent H3N2 influenza, you should be immunised every year, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, avoid contact with sick individuals, cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, and miss less time from work or school during illness.

According to the ICMR, the following precautions should be taken to prevent the transmission of H3N2 [4]:

• Wearing masks
• Drinking enough fluids
• Covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing
• Avoid touching the nose and eyes
• Take paracetamol for fever and body aches to combat the virus but for other symptoms, consult a doctor.
• Avoid crowded places
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Don't spit in public areas
• Use contact-based greetings such as shaking hands
• Avoid eating while seated next to other people

What Is The Treatment For H3N2 Influenza?

As part of the H3N2 influenza treatment regimen, rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen to reduce fever are recommended. Depending on the severity of a patient's symptoms or if the patient is at a high risk, an antiviral drug such as oseltamivir or zanamivir may be prescribed.

On A Final Note...

The Indian Medical Association has advised physicians to avoid giving patients antibiotics before determining whether the ailment is bacterial because this can lead to resistance to antibiotics. Most of the current cases of fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches are caused by influenza and do not require antibiotics.