Assam reports first case of H3N2 virus

Several states like Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, and Karnataka are witnessing a spike in H3N2 cases

Amid the H3N2 scare in the country, Assam reported its first case of the H3N2 virus on Wednesday, a press release from the National Health Mission, Assam stated.

“The Health Department is keeping a close watch on the evolving seasonal influenza situation in Assam through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) network on a real-time basis,” the press release said.

“The district surveillance officers under the IDSP network are fully geared to meet this public health challenge in Assam in line with the guidelines formulated by the Centre and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR),” it added.

Several states like Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Gujarat, and Karnataka are witnessing a spike in H3N2 cases.

According to the Union Health Ministry, Karnataka and Haryana have confirmed one death each from H3N2 influenza so far.

What is H3N2 Virus?

H3N2 is flu with COVID-like symptoms. It is a subtype of the viral genus Influenzavirus A, which is an important cause of human influenza. H3N2 viruses can infect birds and mammals. In birds, humans, and pigs, the virus has mutated into many strains.

Symptoms of H3N2 virus

• H3N2 has symptoms like cough, nausea, fever, vomiting, sore throat, body ache and diarrhoea. The infection lasts 5-7 days.

• The fever usually goes away in 3 days and in case of cough it can persist for upto 3 weeks.

• People below 15, and above 50 years prone to get infected are more likely to get infected with the H3N2 virus.

How to avoid it?

• Wash hands, wear face masks, avoid crowded areas
• Use paracetamol in case of fever and body aches
• Consult a doctor before taking antibiotics

Also Read: Assam’s first Green Budget. All you need to know

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