H3N2 virus: Experts are of the view that the influenza H3N2 virus is causing significant medical issues. It is particularly severe on lung infections, and “has changed its pattern unexpectedly in just six months”.
According to medical experts, the pattern of viruses has changed remarkably and unexpectedly. Dr Dhiren Gupta, a Senior Consultant at Sir Gangaram hospital in Delhi, said “Over the past 6 months pattern of viruses has changed remarkably and unexpectedly. Normally, we expect influenza to be the number 1 virus that can lead to hospitalisation. This time Influenza A virus subtype H3N2 has led to a lot of respiratory tract infections.”
Dr Gupta further said the virus was leading to severe pulmonary infections. “Type B influenza has led to more severe pulmonary infections in form of ARDS, severe pneumonia requiring ventilation,” he added.
H3N2 influenza virus-related deaths
Haryana and Karnataka reported the first two H3N2 influenza virus-related deaths in India. The victim from Karnataka had symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI), such as a fever, sore throat, and cough. The 82-year-old was hospitalised at Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences on February 24, and he passed away on March 1.
Almost 90 cases of the H3N2 virus have reportedly been detected in India so far, according to media reports.
Swine influenza virus
The H3N2v virus is also known as “swine influenza virus,” a non-human influenza virus that typically infects pigs and has also infected people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
These viruses are known as “variant” viruses when they infect people. According to the CDC, the particular H3N2 variant virus was found in people in 2011 and contained the M gene from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus as well as genes from avian, swine, and human viruses.
What are the symptoms
H3N2 symptoms include fever, breathing issues including a cough and runny nose, body pains, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. They typically last for a week.
According to the CDC, those who have certain long-term health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease are at risk. Others too including those with weakened immune systems, neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions, small children, seniors and pregnant women too are at risk.
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