5 H3N2 Influenza Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore as Cases Continue to Surge Across Delhi-NCR

The H3N2 virus has triggered a major flu outbreak throughout Delhi-NCR, with many people suffering from high fever and sore throats. According to experts, the viral infection, belonging to influenza A,

has affected numerous families throughout the region, and patients are experiencing prolonged severe symptoms that exceed the typical seasonal flu duration. While you need to take care of your health, it is also important to identify the symptoms right away since they can also be deadly for those with compromised immune systems, like small children or the elderly. According to experts, even if you do not know what strain of influenza is circulating every year, it is important to be aware of what to expect from the flu. H3N2 virus infection usually lasts between five and seven days, but can cause a severe cough that lasts up to three weeks. The five most important symptoms of the condition include:

• Severe body aches
• High fever with vomiting and diarrhoea
• Severe headache or migraine
• Sore throat with chronic coughs and colds
• Exhaustion

Even though the symptoms may be manageable, sometimes H3N2 can lead to serious complications – even in healthy individuals, which include:

• Pneumonia or lung infection
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome, or ARDS
• Sepsis, which causes a whole-body reaction to an infection
• Meningitis or inflammation of the lining of the brain
• Myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle

What is H3N2?

The H3N2 virus is a strain of influenza A that causes respiratory illness. This virus is part of a group of four primary strains of influenza – A, B, C, and D, all of which can infect humans. Doctors say it spreads quickly and has been linked to multiple seasonal flu outbreaks globally, including a significant rise in cases in India in recent months. In India, the H3N2 flu has affected both children and adults, especially those under the age of 15 years or over 50. Symptoms can last between 5 and 7 days, but complications such as persistent coughing may extend up to three weeks. It is crucial to recognise the symptoms early to prevent severe health outcomes. The H3N2 virus spreads through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. It can also be transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals or indirect contact with contaminated surfaces. Practising good hygiene and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are key to reducing transmission.

Ways you can prevent the spread of the H3N2 virus

There are a few steps you can take to reduce the infection and spread of H3N2 between people, which include:

• Always get the annual flu vaccine, which prevents infection and reduces the severity of the disease.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze
• Wash your hands properly using soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, as germs spread faster that way
• Avoid close contact with sick people
• If you are sick, stay home from work or school until your illness is over