H3N2 Flu Outbreak In Delhi: Persistent Sore Throat, To Runny Nose, Patients Report Strange Flu-Like Symptoms

H3N2 flu surges in Delhi with patients reporting seasonal flu-like symptoms. While most cases remain mild, hospitals have issued an alert to make the public aware of this strain that could result in death.

As the monsoon season gradually withdraws, a seasonal flu outbreak in Delhi has raised an alarm among health officials. The surge in H3N2 flu, which is a non-human influenza virus that normally circulates in pigs, has been on the rise, with patients reporting flu-like symptoms. While most cases remain mild, hospitals have issued an alert to make the public aware of this strain that could result in death.

What Is H3N2 Flu?

H3N2 flu is a subtype of the influenza A virus that is responsible for seasonal outbreaks of flu. Experts suggest H3N2 flu may appear harmless in the beginning, but this strain can quickly mutate, making it difficult to manage over time, when compared to other strains.

Symptoms Of H3N2 Flu

Although the symptoms of H3N2 flu have been mostly mild, they show similarities to those of seasonal flu. Some severe human illnesses may result in hospitalization, and death is possible. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims that in 2012, for example, of 309 human infections with H3N2v, 16 people were hospitalised and one of these people died in the United States.

Symptoms of H3N2 flu are similar to those of seasonal flu viruses and can include:

1. Sudden onset of fever
2. Cough (usually dry)
3. Runny nose
4. Nausea
5. Vomiting
6. Diarrhea
7. Headache
8. Muscle and joint pain
9. Severe malaise (feeling unwell)
10. Sore throat

Key Highlights

1. H3N2v is a subtype of influenza A virus that normally circulates in pigs.
2. Influenza A virus can spread through respiratory droplets.
3. Pregnant women, children under the age of 5 and adults above 65 are at higher risk of H3N2 flu.
4. Antiviral drugs, such as oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir, can treat H3N2 influenza.
5. Symptoms of H3N2 flu include fever, cough, body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, etc.

WHO Recovery Guidelines For H3N2 Flu

People suffering from the H3N2 flu will recover from the illness on their own, but severe symptoms or other medical conditions should seek medical care. The World Health Organization (WHO) outlines these essential points that people with mild symptoms of influenza should follow:

• Stay home to avoid infecting other people
• Rest
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Treat other symptoms, such as fever
• Seek medical care if symptoms get worse.

The global health organization also states that people at high risk or with severe symptoms should be treated with antiviral medications as soon as possible. They include people who are: pregnant, children, under 59 months of age, aged 65 years and older, living with other chronic illnesses, receiving chemotherapy and people living with suppressed immune systems due to HIV or other conditions.

"Vaccination is the best way to prevent influenza," the WHO states. "Safe and effective vaccines have been used for more than 60 years. Immunity from vaccination goes away over time, so annual vaccination is recommended to protect against influenza."

It added, "The vaccine may be less effective in older people, but it will make the illness less severe and reduce the chance of complications and death."

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