BREAKING: Karnataka, Haryana Record 2 Deaths Due to H3N2 Virus, ALERT Sounded Across India. Key Points

H3N2 Influenza on Rise: Health authorities across India are on their toes after reports claimed that the states witnessed two deaths due to H3N2 influenza. While Karnataka reported one death, Haryana recorded a second. In the wake of rising H3N2 and COVID cases across the state, the Karnataka government earlier this week asked all health staff to wear masks while they are working in the facilities. Besides, it asked children, people above 65 years of age who have comorbidities & pregnant women to avoid unnecessary gatherings. Earlier this week, Karnataka health minister K Sudhakar informed that 26 persons tested positive for the H3N2 variant in the state, and among these two cases are reported from Bengaluru.

H3N2 CASES ON RISE IN INDIA

India has been witnessing an unexpected increase in Covid and H3N2 cases. Till now, India has recorded 90 cases of H3N2 influenza, and eight cases of H1N1. If reports are to be believed, the country, at present, has detected these two types of influenza virus circulating in the population. In Kanpur, the rising number of H3N2 subtype influenza cases has raised the concerns of health department officials. The situation is getting worse as nearly 50 patients have been admitted in a day at Hallet Hospital after they complained of high fever, persistent cough and shortness of breath.

WHAT IS H3N2 VIRUS? H3N2 virus is a respiratory viral infection. This subtype of influenza A virus was discovered in 1968 in humans. Dr Randeep Guleria, chairman of the Institute of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, and Director of Medical Education, said that the H3N2 virus mutates every year during this time and spreads through droplets.

“H3N2 is a type of influenza virus, which we see every year during this time of the year. But it is a virus which mutates over time called antigenic drift. We had a pandemic many years ago because of H1N1. The circulating strain of that virus is now H3N2 and, therefore, it is a normal influenza strain," he said.

H3N2 VIRUS: SYMPTOMS AND PRECAUTIONS

H3N2 infection symptoms are comparable to seasonal flu viruses and it can include:-

To keep any viral infection aside, precautions include getting vaccinated first. Keep your surroundings sanitised by washing your hands at regular intervals with soap. Avoid contact with people who are ill or wear a mask. Wear a face mask or cover your mouth if you are sneezing or coughing as the viral infection is contagious. The Indian Medical Association (IMA), on the other hand, has advised against the indiscriminate use of antibiotics amid rising cases of cough, cold and nausea across the country.