Influenza A H3N2 Linked To Rising Cases Of Severe Cough And Fever: What You Need To Know

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there has been an increase in the number of cases where an individual is experiencing an intense cough for more than a week, along with fever.

These cases have been observed throughout the country and are being linked to the flu causing subtype of a virus, Influenza A H3N2.

A surveillance data released on 15 December has revealed a significant increase in the number of cases of Influenza A H3N2, reported the ICMR.

The ICMR operates 30 Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) across India, dedicated to respiratory virus surveillance.

These VRDLs are affiliated with leading medical institutions in various states, where they collect samples from patients experiencing severe acute respiratory infections (SARI).

As per the observations made by ICMR, it was discovered that close to 50 per cent of patients who were admitted with SARI and those who walked into clinics were diagnosed with Influenza A H3N2.

According to the ICMR, a high percentage of individuals admitted to the hospital with SARI and diagnosed with the virus exhibited fever (92 per cent) and cough (up to 86 per cent).

Moreover, a considerable number of patients progressed to more severe symptoms, including breathlessness (27 per cent) and wheezing (16 per cent).

A significant percentage of individuals also showed signs of pneumonia (16 per cent) and even experienced seizures (6 per cent).

According to the agency, the virus seems to result in a higher number of hospitalizations compared to other subtypes of Influenza.

According to the health body, approximately 10 per cent of all SARI patients with Influenza A H3N2 required oxygen, while 7 per cent of them needed intensive care unit (ICU) treatment.

Dr Altaf Patel, a senior physician based in Mumbai, attends to roughly ten patients per day who have symptoms of the flu.

According to him, "The cases have certainly risen, and patients are presenting with breathlessness and severe episodes of spasmodic cough. Some patients are showing symptoms for as long as 10 to 12 days."

As this is a viral flu, antibiotics have no effect in curing it.

The ICMR has warned patients to not take antibiotics or any other medication without consulting a doctor. The ICMR recommends taking paracetamol to alleviate fever and bodyaches, as well as consuming ample fluids to promote recovery.

Dr Patel noted that the symptoms of COVID-19 and Influenza A H3N2 were quite similar, with very little difference between the two illnesses.

As per the recommendations of the ICMR, people should avoid shaking hands or engaging in other forms of contact greeting as a preventive measure.

Dr Patel also recommends wearing masks when going outside while, additionally, he stresses the importance taking a flu vaccine for better prevention.