H3N2 Flu Outbreak In Delhi: What It Is, Symptoms, Precautions, Treatments

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

An outbreak of the H3N2 flu, a non-human influenza virus that normally circulates in pigs, has been reported in Delhi. As cases of influenza A virus soar in number, hospitals have issued an alert to make the public aware of this deadly strain, its symptoms and recovery stages.

What Is H3N2 Flu?

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

"H3N2 is a non-human influenza virus that normally circulates in pigs and that has infected humans. Viruses that normally circulate in pigs are swine influenza viruses. When these viruses infect humans, they are termed variant viruses," explains the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Influenza A can be easily transmitted from one individual to another, through respiratory droplets created when an infected person coughs, sneezes or speaks. There is also evidence that one can get H3N2 flu only by touching something that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth and nose without sanitisation. Experts also believe that a third possible way to get infected is to inhale particles containing the influenza virus.

Symptoms Of H3N2 Flu

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

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Body aches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea.

How Dangerous Is H3N2 Flu?

There has been no record of severe human illness associated with the H3N2 flu. However, it is vital to keep in mind that seasonal flu can sometimes lead to complications like pneumonia.

Key Highlights

1. H3N2v is a subtype of influenza A virus that normally circulates in pigs.
2. H3N2 flu can spread through respiratory droplets.
3. Some common symptoms of H3N2 flu include fever, cough, body aches, etc.
4. Children under the age of 5 and adults above 65 are at higher risk of H3N2 flu.
5. CDC recommends antiviral drugs like oseltamivir and zanamivir to treat H3N2 flu.

Prevention And Treatment For H3N2 Flu

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that vaccination is the best way to prevent any type of influenza. It added, "Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of influenza complications and their carers." The CDC also recommends antiviral drugs like oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir to be taken only under a doctor's supervision. Here's a WHO guideline to prevent H3N2 flu in other ways:

• Wash and dry your hands regularly
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Dispose of tissues correctly
• Stay home when feeling unwell
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Who Is at Higher Risk Of H3N2 Flu?

According to experts, children under the age of 5, adults above the age of 65, pregnant women, and also individuals with certain long-term medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions are at higher risk of developing the H3N2 flu.

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