Recent reports from ICMR show that cases of flu caused by the virus H3N2 is spreading across the country. This viral strain causes prolonged illness and has led to more hospitalizations than flu infections caused by other type of strains. People whose immunity is weak are more likely to suffer from complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and seizures,where H3N2 can also be life-threatening in some cases. ICMR data show that in the past three months, 10% of SARI* patients hospitalized with H3N2 complications needed oxygen and 7% required ICU careii.
H3N2 is a sub-type of influenza A virusiii. Every year during seasonal changes, the temperature change causes flu viruses to rise and spread fast. Annually some subtypes spread more than othersiv. All flu viruses, including H3N2, spread through an infected individual when they cough, sneeze, or talk. They can also spread when uninfected people touch an object or surface contaminated by these viruses and then touch their nose or mouthv.
People most at risk for H3N2 and other strains of flu are children below 5 years of age, ageing adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, kidney disease and heart disease.vi The main symptoms of fluinfection are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffed nose and headache & bodyaches. In H3N2 infection, the fever usually lasts for three days, but the cough can persist for 3 weeks.vii
Dr. Praveen Khapekar, M.D Paediatric, Aastha Children Hospital, says, “The strain H3N2, which is on the rise this year, can be serious for children below 5 years and may even lead to hospitalisation. I advise all parents to talk to their doctors about 4-in-1 flu vaccination for their children. Flu Vaccination is well tolerated & recommended for children aged 6 months to 5 years of age.”
“In India, flu cases peak during the winters and monsoons. This winter, most of the flu cases are of the H3N2 subtype which has led to hospitalisations. My advice to all ageing adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes and asthma, is to speak to your doctor about Flu vaccination. 4-in-1 vaccination may help protect against all 4 sub-types of flu including H3N2.”, says Dr. Rajesh Swarnkar, Chief Consultant Pulmonologist, Getwell Hospital.
Various Health Authorities recommend seasonal flu vaccination for high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, pregnant women, people suffering from chronic diseases, older adults above 65 years of age and children between 6 months – 5 years of ageviii. Other measures advised by doctors to prevent H3N2 flu and stop its spreadi are to wash hands frequently, use masks in crowded places and avoid contact with an infected person.
*SARI: Severe acute respiratory infection
Disclaimer: Issued in public interest by GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Limited. Dr. Annie Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai 400 030, India. Information appearing in this material is for general awareness only. Nothing contained in this material constitutes medical advice. Please consult your doctor for any medical queries, any question or concern you may have regarding your condition. The disease list indicated for vaccination is not complete, please consult your doctor for the complete vaccination schedule. Views/opinions expressed by the doctor are independent and not influenced in any way by any organization.