India is seeing a rapid surge in flu cases due to the H3N2 virus and two deaths have already been reported one is of an 82 yr old man in Karnataka and another death has been reported from Haryana.
There are 4 types of influenza viruses: A, B, C and D and these viruses cause seasonal epidemics almost every year in January to March and the post-monsoon season in India. Influenza viruses are usually benign and self-limiting. “But this year, patients suffering from the infection are reporting prolonged cough, persistent fever and other complications. Hospitalization has also gone up necessitating increased vigilance,” said Dr G C Khilnani, chairman of PSRI institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine. One of the major reasons for the increase in the seasonal flu is the predominance of H3N2 , a subtype of influenza A virus which is more infectious than the other subtypes according to senior officials in the health ministry. H3N2 accounts for 79% of all the influenza viruses that has been found in samples from SARI or ILI. Influenza B Victoria is the second most common subtype of the virus and influenza A H1N1 also referred to as swine flu is the 3rd most commonly detected influenza virus.
Union Health minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted, “Held a meeting to review rising cases of #H3N2 influenza virus in the country. Advisory issued to States to be on the alert and closely monitor the situation. The government of India is working with States and extending support for public health measures to address the situation”. Over 150 cases have been reported of acute respiratory tract infections and taking proper precautions is the best way to avoid getting infected.
The symptoms of the virus is body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, cough and other respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms. The All-India Medical Association has currently directed all Indian doctors to prescribe oseltamivir and zanamivir. Some of the precautions one can take are to keep a hygienic environment, using handkerchiefs to cover mouth while sneezing or coughing, wear a mask, avoid crowded places where there might be high risk of being exposed to the flu and drink a lot of fluids.