It was on Friday when the Union Health Ministry issued an advisory for all states after 2 causalities happened due to H3N2 virus in India.
Please note that there are mainly 4 types of Influenza viruses A, B, C, and D. It has been seen that both A and B types of viruses become the reason to causing seasonal epidemics almost every year between January to March along with the post monsoon seasons in India.
India Records First 2 H3N2 Flu Deaths In Karnataka & Haryana
Most of the time, it has been noticed that influenza viruses happen to be benign and self-limiting.
This is what Dr G C Khilnani, chairman of PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine has to say, “But this year, patients suffering from the infection are reporting issues like persistent fever, prolonged cough, etc. At the same time, hospitalization has also gone up.” he said.
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.
Government of India is working with States & extending support for public health measures to address the situation. pic.twitter.com/hXWWdC4wCy
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) March 10, 2023
One major reason of this prolonged virulence of the H3N2 virus, which is aa subtype of Influenza A virus, it has become the reason to cause more hospitalizations as compared to its other subtypes.
As per the Ministry, there has been a close monitoring of the ICMR network of laboratories regarding the human Influenza virus in those suffering from Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) along with Influenza like illness (ILI).
The above trends actually began earlier this year. It all happened from January 2 to January 4 when experts spotted the pre-dominance of H3N2 virus in almost 80% patients.
The ICMR has already conducted a detailed survey according to which over 90% patients hospitalized for Influenza and ILI were positive for H3N2 virus. The patients were also confirmed of the symptoms like fever, wheezing, breathlessness, and more.
Also Read: IMA Cautions Against Overuse of Antibiotics to Contain Rising Flu Cases
