India’s First H3N2 Influenza Deaths, 1 Each In Haryana, Karnataka

The government reported today that two people have passed away from influenza brought on by the H3N2 virus. In Haryana and Karnataka, two people have passed away.

The first H3N2 death in the nation is thought to have occurred in Hassan, Karnataka, and involved an 82-year-old male. According to officials, Hire Gowda was admitted to the hospital on February 24 and passed away on March 1. According to reports, he had diabetes and hypertension.

In the nation, there have been about 90 cases of the H3N2 virus. Moreover, eight H1N1 virus cases have been found.

Over the past few months, there has been an increase in flu cases across the nation. The H3N2 virus, sometimes referred to as the “Hong Kong flu,” is to blame for the majority of cases. More hospitalisations are brought on by this virus than by any other influenza subtype in the nation.

Infections with H3N2 and H1N1 have so far only been found in India. Both share symptoms with the Covid virus, which killed 6.8 million people worldwide and infected millions more. The growing number of flu illnesses two years after the epidemic has caused people to become concerned.

The signs include a chronic cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Moreover, patients have mentioned bodily aches, nausea, sore throats, and diarrhoea. The duration of these symptoms can be around a week.

The virus spreads through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with an infected individual and is extremely contagious, according to specialists.

Physicians have recommended Covid-like safety measures, such as consistent hand washing and mask use. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) advises drinking enough of fluids, refraining from touching one’s eyes or nose, covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing, and taking paracetamol for fever and body aches.

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