In India, the most recent H3N2 virus is harming more individuals every day, alarming the general population. Nonetheless, by distributing the information via multiple avenues, physicians are making efforts to comfort the public. According to Dr. Dhiren Gupta of Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi, the unexpected increase in instances is caused by youngsters not having been exposed to the influenza virus during the Covid-induced lockdowns during the last two years. Moreover, under normal conditions, the virus seldom poses a danger to life.
Despite the fact that both COVID-19 and influenza are respiratory illnesses and spread similarly, there is no relationship between them, said Dr. SK Chhabra, HOD-Pulmonary at Primus Hospital in New Delhi. Mild COVID-19 symptoms are comparable to mild influenza symptoms, except that influenza is more likely to induce a cold, body pains, and headaches. There is no evidence to indicate that persons who have had COVID-19 are at a greater risk of developing influenza as they are different and independent illnesses, and their incidence is not connected.
In order to make a comparison, it is helpful to note that COVID-19 and the influenza virus H3N2 have comparable respiratory illnesses and routes of transmission. They also have identical signs and symptoms, including as bodily pains, fever, and cough. However there is no proof that possessing COVID-19 makes someone more likely to get H3N2 or that the incidence of the two is connected in any way.
Up till March 9, 2023, a total of 3038 confirmed cases of many influenza subtypes, including H3N2, were recorded. The H3N2 virus caused two fatalities, one each in Haryana and Karnataka. People are becoming more worried about the virus as the number of confirmed cases of influenza, notably H3N2, continues to climb throughout the nation. The virus’s recent expansion has increased hospital admissions.
H3N2 is a kind of influenza virus that typically affects pigs but may possibly infect people, according to experts. The seasonal flu, which normally manifests in India between January and March and after the monsoon season, has been reported, although it is also expected to abate after March. The government has recommended individuals to follow Covid guidelines and exercise proper hygiene in order to prevent catching the infection.
In comparison to other subtypes like Influenza A (H1N1pdm09) and Influenza B, the H3N2 subtype has been determined to be the most prevalent form of influenza in India (Victoria). According to official statistics, the majority of H3N2 patients had fever and cough symptoms, with 16% of them wheezing, 27% of them suffering dyspnea, 16% having pneumonia, and 6% having seizures. Moreover, 7% of patients needed treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU), and 10% needed oxygen assistance.
