H3N2 Flu Wave Hits Delhi-NCR as 69% Households Report Viral Symptoms

A new LocalCircles survey has revealed that more than 69 per cent of households across Delhi-NCR have one or more members with H3N2 flu and fever-like symptoms. The survey has pointed to a significant increase from 54 per cent in March this year. The report, titled Viral illnesses soar in Delhi NCR, says most people are down with cold, cough, chronic sneezing, and high fever, with all the symptoms going on for more than a week. However, according to doctors, the main culprit is the H3N2 influenza A virus, which is causing prolonged fevers, severe respiratory issues, and even hospitalizations in both children and the elderly as well. Doctors are calling for taking precautions by getting the annual flu vaccine easily available in most hospitals.

What does the survey report reveal?

According to the LocalCircles survey, more than 11,000 residents in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad were sampled, and it was found that:

• More than 35 per cent of households had four or more people sick.
• Another 32 per cent had at least one to three members showing symptoms of the flu.
• Only 25 per cent of families said no one was unwell.

Experts say given the dense population in the entire area, along with the high co-morbid disease burden, which includes the population living with type 2 diabetes, respiratory illness, and cardiac conditions, even the extended monsoon is aiding the spread of the viral diseases, making the present situation a public health concern.

What is H3N2 flu A infection?

Doctors say H3N2 is a non-human influenza virus that normally circulates in pigs but infects people as well. While viruses that normally circulate in pigs are known as swine influenza viruses, when they begin to infect humans, they are termed “variant” viruses. The H3N2 virus was first detected in people in 2011, and since then, it has been a major source of infections in people yearly throughout the world. Doctors say H3N2 is exceptionally infectious and spreads effectively from one person to another through respiratory droplets. The virus infects other people if an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even speaks. Touching contaminated surfaces with your mouth, nose, or eyes can also spread the virus.

Signs and symptoms of H3N2

A few important and unmissable symptoms of H3N2 influenza include:

• High fever with chills
• Coughing that lasts for up to two weeks
• Muscle and joint pain
• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Recurrent diarrhoea
• Itching and pain in the ears
• Swollen lymph nodes

Doctors say coughing in this infection can last up to two weeks or more, and the H3N2 flu also leads to serious illness and can possibly be dangerous for certain high-risk patients, even though most people recover from the fever within a week without needing to be hospitalised. If your symptoms persist or appear to get worse, it is important to keep an eye on the patient and seek professional help. Some high-risk groups, like children and the elderly suffering from the virus, may even need to be hospitalised.

How to prevent H3N2?

• Get the annual flu vaccine to prevent infection and reduce its severity.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue.
• Wash your hands properly.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick, stay home until your illness passes.