H3N2: Sudden outbreak of the influenza virus puts medical professionals on high alert!

March 11, 2023 Pragna Chakraborty Health, India 0

H3N2: Sudden outbreak of the influenza virus puts medical professionals on high alert!

With over 90 cases and two deaths, one in Kerala and one in Haryana, H3N2 creates a new health alert post COVID. The Indian Council Of Medical Research (ICMR) declared the H3N2 virus as the reason behind the sudden increase in fever, intense coughing, and other respiratory problems among the citizens.

What is this virus?

As per WHO, H3N2 is an influenza subtype that predominantly affects humans. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this virus was first discovered in pigs in the US in 2010. Twelve human infections were found in 2012, and the following year saw several H3N2 outbreaks.

One of the leading causes of this sudden rise in flu symptoms among patients has been attributed to a fast transition from severely cold to warm weather. Mammals and birds can both contract this virus.

Why this sudden outbreak?

Medical professionals claim that the prolonged lockdowns as part of the covid-19 pandemic, though they reduced the spread of the coronavirus, made people less resilient. People were not exposed to the seasonal viruses, and hence post-covid they are more vulnerable to them than before.

This virus often targets people under the age of 15 or over 50. Risk factors include age, having co-morbid illnesses such as neurological or neurodevelopmental disorders, asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and compromised immune systems.

How to stop the spread?

One can prevent getting sick from the H3N2 infection by washing their hands before eating or touching their face, nose, or mouth, carrying pocket sanitizer, and avoiding others with the virus or any other seasonal flu. A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also significantly contribute to boosting immunity. The doctors also suggest eating home-cooked, low-spice, low-fat cuisine and drinking lots of water.

 

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The H3N2 virus is a subtype of influenza “A” virus and it’s currently creating a cause of concern over the globe. Influenza viruses have different categories, i.e. A, B and C, and among them A-type viruses have the most significant and dangerous diseases. In the year 1968, this virus caused a flu pandemic and the death count was above 1 million around the world. Along with humans, the type A virus can also impact other species like birds and animals. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 79% of the people suffering from influenza, have H3N2 disease. What are the Symptoms? The H3N2 virus has similar symptoms to any other flu. Cough, fever, body ache, headache, sore throat, runny nose, extreme fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Vulnerable groups and treatments According to the Indian Medical Association (IMA), this virus will have a serious impact on children below 15 and adults above 50 years. People having co-morbidities like asthma, diabetes and heart disease will have severe implications, and people with weakened immune systems and neurological disorders are also at high risk. There are several medications regarding this particular virus (Peramivir and baloxavir) but People are requested to consult the doctor if they have the above-mentioned symptoms and not to take any kind of medication without consulting the doctor also people are expected to wear a mask in public places. On the other hand, there were several meetings held regarding this virus by NITI Aayog and other health-related organizations. experts are claiming that the impact of this virus will get reduced as soon as the temperature will rise, so basically, at the end of march or in the initial week of April the impact of this virus is expected to reduce.What is the H3N2 virus? Cases rising across the world View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kusha Kapila (@kushakapila)Kusha Kapil Reveals Sudden Separation from Husband Zorawar Ahluwalia diamond ringEngagement alert: ‘Stranger Things’ actress Millie Bobby Brown shows off diamond ring with beau Jake Bongiovi Drake reveals he was 'high' when he auditioned for 'Degrassi'Drake reveals he was ‘high’ when he auditioned for ‘Degrassi’ Salma Hayek bikiniHot Alert! Salma Hayek, 56, Flaunts Her Bikini Body on Yacht Sydney Sweeney NudeDigital Danger: Sydney Sweeney Nude Leak Sparks Malware Outbreak Nia Sharma In A Seductive Low-Waisted Pant, She Puts Her Wardrobe At RiskWatch: Nia Sharma Stuns In A Seductive Low-Waisted Pant, Puts Her Wardrobe At Risk H3N2: Sudden outbreak of the influenza virus puts medical professionals on high alert!What is Marburg virus? Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
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