H3N2 virus Alert! The cases of influenza caused by H3N2 virus are increasing rapidly in India. This virus has also knocked in Uttarakhand. 2 cases have been reported in Haldwani. So far three (Gujarat, Haryana and Karnataka) deaths have been confirmed due to this virus. In view of this, health experts have suggested people to take precautionary measures.
Experts have issued a warning saying that use a mask, keep good hand hygiene, as well as get the flu vaccine once a year. As per the latest data available on IDSP-IHIP (Integrated Health Information Platform), a total of 3,038 cases of different subtypes of Influenza including H3N2 virus have been confirmed by the States till March 9. This includes 1,245 cases in January, 1,307 in February and 486 cases till March 9.
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Wear a mask whether at home or outside
Dr Sunil Sekri, Associate Consultant – Internal Medicine, Max Hospital, Gurugram told IANS, “In my opinion the government should make masks mandatory again at least in highly sensitive areas like public transport, hospitals, airports, railway stations and other public vehicles Can do People should avoid going to crowded places, whether at home or outside, should wear a mask.
Chances of spreading infection even by shaking hands
Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, co-chairman of the Indian Medical Association’s National COVID-19 Task Force, said, “The respiratory virus is transmitted through droplets, which means that secretions can spread from person to person, and most people are exposed to some virus.” touching their nose and mouth at point or this secretion can remain on the fingers and need to wear a mask when they shake hands with other people, especially in crowded indoor gatherings, as there is a possibility of spreading the infection. ‘
what is h3n2
According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the COVID-19 virus has been a combination of respiratory viruses in circulation ranging from swine flu (H1N1), H3N2 and seasonal Victoria and Influenza B viruses of the Yamagata lineage. H3N2 and H1N1 are both types of Influenza E virus, commonly known as flu.
Symptoms of H3N2
Some of the most common symptoms include prolonged fever, cough, runny nose and body aches. But in severe cases people may also experience breathlessness and/or wheezing.
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Ishwar Gilada said, “For the last three years we have learned how to prevent respiratory infections, because infections go out and come in through the nose and mouth, you need to cover the area It happens and that is masking. Proper masks are needed especially in crowded places.
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All the hospitals in Uttarakhand have been alerted.
Uttarakhand H3N2 has also given its knock in Haldwani. Here, two cases of H3N2 influenza have been reported in the virology lab of the Government Medical College in Haldwani. However, doctors say that this number is less in comparison to the number of samples that have been tested. At the same time, all the hospitals have been alerted to prevent H1N1 and H3N2.
Head of the Department of Virology, Prof. Umesh says that the samples are coming, the facility of testing for Covid infection was first started in the Virology Lab of the Medical College in the state. Later, the scope of testing was increased and the facility of testing for swine flu and other influenza was started in the medical college. Since August-2021, more than 1700 samples have been tested in the lab. But on March 7, two patients were also tested for H3N2 influenza.
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