It has been reported that the number of individuals infected with the influenza A virus type H3N2 has doubled in India, and two deaths have also been reported in Haryana and Karnataka. The World News Agency has reported that two deadly types of influenza have spread in the cities after the Corona outbreak. H3N2 and H1N1 flu are the two influenza viruses that infect 90% of hospitalized patients.
An 82-year-old man died of influenza in the Indian state of Karnataka, while a 60-year-old man died in Haryana. Both were admitted to the hospital after showing corona-like symptoms. Both patients died during treatment, one of whom also had diabetes and blood pressure disorders. Both patients suffered from cold, cough, and fever for a month. This disease is also known as Hong Kong flu. The H3N2 and H1N1 types of influenza prove to be quite dangerous for people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and weakened immunity.
On the other hand, in the Chinese city of Xi’an, a lockdown was imposed after the increase in flu cases, and all schools were closed. For the first time after Corona, a lockdown has been imposed due to a disease. It is to be noted that the WHO warned at the beginning of this month that the flu virus is spreading rapidly in the northern and southern provinces of China, which could have dangerous consequences if the spread is not stopped.
Symptoms:
Several symptoms are associated with this disease, including fever, respiratory issues like coughing and runny nose, and other symptoms like body aches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and vomiting. These symptoms will likely last for approximately a week. However, some people may also have to endure them longer.
Causes:
There was a pandemic in 1968 that was caused by an influenza A (H3N2) virus, which contained two genes from an avian influenza A virus, including a new H3 hemagglutinin. Still, it also contained the N2 neuraminidase from the 1957 H2N2 virus. In September 1968, it was first noted that the disease had spread to the United States.
How Much is It Dangerous?
In the same way that influenza A viruses can cause mild to severe respiratory illnesses, H3N2 viruses can cause complications like pneumonia, especially in populations at high risk for infections, such as people with weak immune systems, the elderly, and young children.
Transmission Process:
In the same way that seasonal influenza viruses spread between people through infected droplets created when an infected pig coughs or sneeze, the spread from infected pigs to humans also happens through infected droplets. People can be infected if the droplets are inhaled in their noses or mouth.
Treatment:
To treat H3N2 influenza successfully, it is necessary to rest properly, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce the fever, a treatment regimen. It is also possible for a physician to prescribe an antiviral drug such as oseltamivir or zanamivir to patients with severe symptoms or who are at a high risk of problems due to the infection.
Humans can quickly become infected with the virus when they contact infected people. The experts say it is very important to follow some protocols. Keep yourself safe by washing your hands regularly with soap and water, using a face mask in crowded areas, avoiding touching your nose and mouth whenever you are coughing or sneezing, staying hydrated, and consuming plenty of fluids, and taking paracetamol in cases of fever and body aches. There are also some things that they recommend avoiding, such as spitting while in public places, shaking hands and using contact-based greetings, self-medicating or taking antibiotics or any other medication without consulting a doctor, and eating while in a public place.
