H3N2 influenza hits India: Wearing of masks compulsory, use of antibiotics to be avoided, check what's allowed and what's not
By Benson | Published: March 8, 2023 12:38 PM2023-03-08T12:38:34+5:302023-03-08T12:38:34+5:30
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The past few days, have witnessed a sudden outbreak of Influenza A subtype H3N2 cases across country which has sparked concerns across the health infrastructure.
Medical experts have been suggesting guidelines and precautions to tackle this outbreak. The former top doctor of AIIMS and now Chairman, Institute of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Director-Medical Education, Medanta Dr Randeep Guleria said, "H3N2 is a type of influenza virus, which we see every year during this time of the year. But it is a virus which mutates over time called antigenic drift
Dr Guleria said that this influenza virus spreads the same as COVID, through droplets.
Only those who have associated comorbidities need to be careful. For precaution, wear a mask, wash hands frequently, have physical distancing. For influenza also, there is a vaccine for high-risk groups and the elderly. Its symptoms are fever, sore throat, cough, body aches and cold.
The tele government has advised all its fever clinics to be prepared to deal with this virus and maintain medicine supply and cough syrups.
Dr Shalin Mitra, advisor to the health department in the tele government said, "We have advised our clinics to be prepared and ensure adequate supply of medicines to our fever clinics and follow the ICMR guidelines.
The ICMR recently issued an advisory asking people to avoid self-medication and use of antibiotics in this influenza outbreak.
Dr Vishal Gupta, Fortis , Internal Medicine, said, "This influenza is also spreading because of the pollution aggregating factors and mostly people not wearing masks.
Delhi NCR clinics are flooded with such cases and almost every second patient is reportedly having symptoms of this influenza.
