H3N2 Influenza Virus: India has been in the grip of influenza A subtype H3N2 virus which has created panic in the country. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data, however, reports a combination of respiratory viruses from the seasonal Victoria and Yamagata lineages of the Covid-19 virus, swine flu (H1N1), H3N2, and influenza B virus. As per the latest data available on IDSP-IHIP (Integrated Health Information Platform), a total of 3,038 cases of different subtypes of influenza including H3N2 have been confirmed by the states till March 9.
Besides H3N2 influenza, two other important circulating influenzas are Influenza A H1N1 and Influenza B Victoria. ICMR data, however, reports a combination of respiratory viruses from the seasonal Victoria and Yamagata lineages of the Covid-19 virus, swine flu (H1N1), H3N2, and influenza B virus as responsible.
Meanwhile, there has also been a spurt in Covid infections after four months, as 524 daily Covid cases were reported on Sunday (March 12).
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Ministry of Health on Influenza
“IDSP-IHIP data from health facilities indicates that during the month of January 2023, a total of 397,814 cases of Acute Respiratory Illness/Influenza-like Illness (ARI/ILI) were reported from the country which has increased marginally to 436,523 during February 2023 In the first 9 days of March 2023, this number is 133,412 cases,” the health ministry said in a statement.
“Seasonal H3N2 flu is a human flu from H3N2 that is slightly different from one of the H3N2 types from the previous year’s flu season. Seasonal influenza viruses break out in overlapping pandemics in East Asia and Southeast Asia, then spread around the world before dying out.” spread. Identifying the source of the virus allows global health authorities to better predict which viruses are most likely to cause disease next year,” said Shuchin Bajaj, a doctor and director of Ujala Cygnus Hospital .
Meanwhile, the ministry has said: “Oseltamivir is a drug recommended by WHO. The drug is made available free of cost through the public health system. The government allowed the sale of Oseltamivir under Schedule H1 of the Drug and Cosmetic Act in February 2017. Granted. For wider reach and availability.”
Signs You May Be Affected With Influenza
According to ICMR, more than 90 per cent patients were hospitalized due to severe acute respiratory infection, where they were presenting with fever and cough.
Symptoms of breathlessness are visible in 27 percent of patients, while symptoms of wheezing are visible in 16 percent.
More than 15 percent of patients showed symptoms of pneumonia and 6 percent reported seizures.
There is a high chance that an infected person may also experience gastric problems like diarrhea and vomiting.
“On the fifth or sixth day of illness, many patients begin to complain of stuffiness in the ears or a feeling that something is blocked inside the ears. It is more common in young adults,” Rajeev Gupta, Consultant – Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital told IANS.
Precautionary Measures for H3N2 Influenza Flu
Senior citizens and children are most vulnerable to contracting the seasonal flu, including the H3N2 influenza virus. People suffering from asthma, obesity, heart disease and diabetes are more likely to get infected. Hence, here are some precautionary measures to be taken:
vaccination:
Annual flu vaccination should be obtained. It is advisable to get it by the end of October.
hand hygiene:
Wash your hands regularly, especially after using the toilet, before eating and before touching your face, nose or mouth.
Congested Areas:
Avoid crowded places as the virus can spread easily there.
Participation:
Limit your interactions with people who are sick.
Self Quarantine:
In case of flu, stay at home for 24 hours after the fever subsides. To avoid spreading the disease, we should also cover our mouth while coughing or sneezing.
(With inputs from IANS)