H3N2 Influenza Prevention: Tips For School-Going Kids

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During the last few days, India has been experiencing an alarming increase in cases of H3N2 influenza and admissions to intensive care units. While experts advise not to panic about the spread of the non-human influenza virus, precautions must be taken. As testing intensifies, cases have been reported throughout the country.

Flu viruses that circulate throughout the world cause acute respiratory infections during certain periods of the year, known as seasonal influenza [1].

Based on the surveillance information provided by the ICMR from December 15 to the present, influenza A H3N2 cases have increased.

The disease has been associated with approximately half of all inpatient severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) and outpatient influenza-like illnesses since 2006.

Women who are pregnant, young children (under 15 years of age), older adults (over 50 years of age), and people with underlying medical conditions are at an increased risk of complications related to influenza.

And with schools open, children could be at an increased risk of contracting the flu [2].

The following are some tips for preventing H3N2 influenza in children.

H3N2 Influenza Prevention: Tips For School-Going Kids

An infection with the H3N2 virus is usually characterised by fever, feverish chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose or congested nose, headaches, and fatigue. Infection with the H3N2 virus can also cause vomiting, diarrhoea, and difficulty breathing [3].

If you have school-aged children, you should teach them appropriate hygiene and safety habits that will reduce their risk of contracting influenza [4].

Take a look at H3N2 influenza prevention tips for kids:

• Encourage them to wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
• Take precautions by wearing a mask and staying away from crowded areas
• Do not allow your child to touch their mouth or nose.
• Teach them how to shield their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
• Maintain hydration and drink plenty of fluids, you can do this by purchasing a water bottle that indicates how much water your child is drinking, encouraging them to consume more fluids.
• Ask your child not to use contact-based greetings such as handshakes.
• Ask them to avoid eating while seated next to others if possible.

On A Final Note...

It is important that, along with teaching your child the appropriate safety habits to prevent the H3N2 influenza, you check with their school to ensure that the school is following the necessary safety measures.

Make sure your kid's teacher is aware of the safety measures that need to be implemented in order to prevent the spread of H3N2.