H3N2 Virus Outbreak in India: What You Need to Know to Protect Yourself

H3N2 Virus Update!

• In Puducherry, all schools will remain closed from March 16 to March 26 due to 79 reported cases of influenza, with the majority belonging to the H3N2 subtype. 
• Genome sequencing has identified two viral strains, influenza A H3N2 and influenza B Victoria, responsible for the current surge in flu cases in the country. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has reported 451 positive cases of influenza A H3N2, 91 cases of influenza B Victoria, and 41 cases of influenza A H1N1 between January 2 and March 5. The Union government has urged states to increase surveillance following the rise in cases. 
• Kerala has reported 13 cases of H3N2 flu, while Gujarat has reported three cases, including the death of a 58-year-old woman. The death toll due to the H3N2 virus has reached seven. 
• Pune and Delhi have reported cases of children under the age of 5 and elderly patients requiring ICU treatment. 
• On March 1, an 87-year-old man from Karnataka's Hassan district became the first patient to die from H3N2 infections. The ICMR has advised against self-medication and the use of antibiotics in case of contracting the virus.

The H3N2 influenza virus is spreading rapidly throughout India, with over 100 cases reported and at least seven deaths recorded. One of the fatalities was an 87-year-old man from the Hassan district of Karnataka, who had underlying health conditions such as hypertension, asthma, and kidney injury. Another death was reported in Haryana, and a 58-year-old woman in Vadodara, Gujarat, also died from the virus. In addition, several young children have been admitted to ICU in Pune hospitals, and there has been a rise in elderly patients with viral pneumonia in Delhi.

H3N2 virus, also known as influenza A virus subtype H3N2, is a strain of influenza virus that primarily affects humans and is responsible for causing seasonal flu epidemics worldwide. The virus is highly contagious and spreads rapidly from person to person, causing a range of flu-like symptoms that can vary in severity. In this article, we will explore what H3N2 virus is, how it spreads, how it affects our body, and what measures can be taken to protect ourselves from it.

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What is H3N2 Virus?

H3N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus, which is a member of the Orthomyxoviridae family of RNA viruses. The virus is characterized by the presence of two surface proteins, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), which play a crucial role in the virus's ability to infect host cells and spread throughout the body. The H3N2 virus first emerged in humans in 1968 and has since undergone numerous mutations, making it difficult for the immune system to recognize and fight off.

How is H3N2 Virus Spread?

The H3N2 virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can travel up to six feet and can be inhaled by others, leading to infection. The virus can also be transmitted by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one's mouth, nose, or eyes.

The virus can survive on surfaces for up to 48 hours, making it easy to spread through contact with contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, and other commonly touched objects. The virus is most contagious in the first three to four days of infection, but people can remain infectious for up to ten days after the onset of symptoms.

How Does H3N2 Virus Affect Our Body?

The symptoms of H3N2 infection are similar to those of other flu strains and can include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, and fatigue. In severe cases, the virus can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death, particularly in older adults, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

H3N2 virus infection can also lead to complications such as ear infections, sinus infections, and bronchitis. In some cases, the virus can exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma and diabetes, leading to serious health problems.

How to Keep Yourself Safe from H3N2 Virus?

There are several measures that individuals can take to protect themselves from H3N2 virus infection. The most effective way to prevent the spread of the virus is through vaccination. The flu vaccine is typically updated each year to include the strains of the virus that are most likely to be prevalent during the upcoming flu season. It is recommended that everyone over the age of six months receive the flu vaccine annually.

In addition to vaccination, individuals can take several other steps to reduce their risk of H3N2 infection. These include:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water, particularly after coming into contact with high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, keyboards, and phones.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick, particularly those with flu-like symptoms.
• Covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or the crook of the elbow.
• Staying home from work or school when feeling ill to avoid spreading the virus to others.
• Avoiding touching the face, particularly the mouth, nose, and eyes, as the virus can be transmitted through contact with these areas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, H3N2 virus is a serious health concern that can cause flu-like symptoms and lead to complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure. It is important to take preventative measures to reduce the risk of infection, including vaccination, frequent hand washing, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals. By staying informed and taking proactive steps to protect ourselves and those around us, we can help to prevent the spread of H3N2 virus and other infectious diseases.

References 

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, January 26). Flu Symptoms & Complications. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/symptoms.html
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, February 24). How Flu Spreads. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/spread.html
3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, September 17). Influenza (Flu). https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html
4. National Institutes of Health. (2017, May 10). Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513254/
5. World Health Organization. (2022, January 19). Influenza (Seasonal). https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/influenza-(seasonal)