One person died in Karnataka due to H3N2 flu
One person died in Karnataka due to flu caused by H3N2 virus. According to Health Ministry sources, the person is a resident of Hassan district. This comes days after Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar said there was no need to panic over the H3N2 virus.
A sudden outbreak of H3N2 influenza in India has seen thousands of cases reported in hospitals across the country in the past few months. The H3N2 virus is a type of influenza virus known as the influenza A virus. It is a respiratory viral infection that causes illnesses every year.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said the H3N2 virus causes more hospitalizations than any other subtype.
Symptoms of H3N2 influenza
Dr Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS-Delhi, said that flu symptoms are accompanied by sore throat, cough, body aches and runny nose. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and shortness of breath.
The ICMR said that the fever disappears after three days, but the cough lasts up to three weeks.
Dr Randeep Guleria said cases are increasing because the virus has mutated and people’s immunity against it has weakened.
Treatment, prevention
ICMR has issued an advisory asking people to avoid self-medication and use of antibiotics in this influenza outbreak. In case of fever and body ache, ICMR advises to use paracetamol.
Dr Randeep Guleria said wearing masks in crowded places, washing hands frequently and maintaining physical distance are ways to prevent catching the virus.
