Senior Citizen & Children Below 5 At Risk! H3N2 Virus Becomes Another Threat To India

Followed by the outbreak of Covid-19 in the country, a new virus has come up in the country as the H3N2 virus. It is a respiratory tract infection caused by four distinct types of viruses (A, B, C, and D) belonging to the Orthomyxoviridae family.

Several states in the nation are witnessing cases of viral infection. The government is also trying to take the necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus in the nation.

Updates on H3N2 Virus

The schools in Puducherry are closed for 10 days that is, from March 16 to March 26. The reason for the same is 79 cases of the virus in the state. The Union government has also asked different states to keep an eye on the cases of the virus. The government has also warned the people not to take any kind of self-medication.

In addition to this, there is an increase in the number of old-age people and below 5-year children in ICUs. “We have seen a 10% increase in the number of users taking cold and fever consultations in the last week alone. The current increase in respiratory illnesses has been attributed to the H3N2 virus by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). It is important that we all understand and take the right steps to minimize the effect,” said Dr. Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations.

“Symptoms usually include fever, cough, cold, aches and pains, and tiredness, and can last for up to 1 week. In some cases, sore throat, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and wheezing is also seen. Those at the highest risk include children under 5, older adults over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with certain long-term health conditions. To prevent the spread of the virus, it’s essential to practice good hand hygiene, wear masks in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, and avoid touching your face,” he added.

Also Read: Shortage in Night Sleep Hours Increases Risk of Clogged Leg Arteries

Myth Busted

More than a deadly virus

Most of the people think that it is just a little more than cold. But the flu is substantially more deadly than a common cold, with symptoms such as high temperature, chills, headaches, and body pains that can last up to two weeks or more. Flu may result in serious consequences, including death.

Shot compulsory for all

Further, it is said that healthy people do not require any kind of vaccination. The fact is that everyone, even young, healthy people, is prone to the flu. Every year, vaccinations are recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Also, vaccination can lessen the risk of the virus infecting people who are more vulnerable to the flu and its symptoms.

Annual vaccination required

Moreover, it is a myth that Flu vaccinations are not required every year. The reality is that annual vaccination is necessary for the best protection because immunity to the flu vaccine degrades over time. It is crucial to get vaccinated every year since the vaccine may change each year to match the flu viruses that are currently circulating.

It does not make you ill

A lot of people dread that the flu vaccination may make them ill. Less known is that modified, weakened, or inactivated (killed) influenza viruses are used to make flu vaccines (made without influenza viruses or eggs). Hence, flu shots cannot spread the illness. A person who has received the flu shot may still contract the flu or other breathing problems during the first two weeks after receiving it.