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A sudden outbreak of Influenza A subtype H3N2 cases across the country has raised concerns. Thousands of cases of Influenza A subtype H3N2 have been reported in hospitals across the country in recent months. It causes a fever for 3 to 5 days and a persistent cough for up to three weeks.
Medical experts have proposed guidelines and precautions to combat this outbreak. “H3N2 is a type of influenza virus that we see every year during this time of year,” said Dr Randeep Guleria, the former top doctor of AIIMS and now Chairman, Institute of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Director-Medical Education, Medanta. However, it is a virus that mutates over time, a process known as 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.”
Dr Guleria said that this influenza virus spreads the same as COVID, through droplets.
“Only those who have associated comorbidities need to be careful. For precaution, wear a mask, wash hands frequently, have physical distancing. For influenza also, there is a vaccine for high-risk groups and the elderly. Its symptoms are fever, sore throat, cough, body aches and cold, “Dr Guleria said.
The Delhi NCR clinics are reportedly inundated with such cases, with almost every second patient exhibiting symptoms of this influenza. The telegovernment has advised all of its fever clinics to be ready to deal with this virus and to keep medicine and cough syrup on hand.
“We have advised our clinics to be prepared and ensure adequate supply of medicines to our fever clinics and follow the ICMR guidelines,” said Dr Shalin Mitra, advisor to the health department in the tele government. We have advised all of our fever clinics not to administer antibiotics at this time because they can kill good bacteria in the body.
In this influenza outbreak, the ICMR recently issued an advisory urging people to avoid self-medication and the use of antibiotics.
Dr Vishal Gupta, Fortis , Internal Medicine, said, “This influenza is also spreading because of the pollution aggregating factors and mostly people not wearing masks.
Dr. Gupta told that people should maintain their immunity and wear masks in crowded places. Aside from staying hydrated, he advises them to avoid cold water, ice cream, cold drinks, and oily foods.
Dr. Gaurav Sharma, a child expert in Delhi who sees 30 to 40 patients per day, said the majority of his patients complained of coughs, fevers, and other long-term symptoms. For children, he suggested nebulization.
“If children become ill, I recommend cough syrups or nebulization, as well as good hygiene,” Dr. Gaurav Sharma said.
.Dr. Meghna Panchal, a pediatrician with a clinic in Noida, stated, “The majority of patients who visit my clinic these days have influenza symptoms. There will be panic if we ask people to get tested for virus or influenza. We advise them to take their medications as prescribed and to practice good food hygiene.”
“To prevent the spread of infection, parents are advised not to send their children to school if they exhibit symptoms. They should also avoid going to crowded places “She stated. Dr. Meghna also recommended eating healthy homemade foods to avoid throat infections.
Source:IT
