India reports two deaths due to H3N2 influenza virus in Karnataka, Haryana

Two persons have died of influenza caused by the H3N2 virus, informed Union Health Ministry today. While Karnataka reported one death and Haryana another death. So far, there have been around 90 cases of the H3N2 virus reported in the country. Eight cases of the H1N1 virus have also been reported.

A 82-year old man became the first victim of the H3N2 virus in Karnataka, a Health department official said on Friday. According to the District Health Officer of Hassan, Hire Gowda died due to the virus on March 1.

"It is confirmed that Hire Gowda, son of Halage Gowda, 82 years, died of H3N2 virus on March 1," the DHO told PTI. He also said Gowda was a diabetic and suffered from hypertension as well.

The Health department official further said the patient was admitted to hospital on Februar 24 and he died on March 1. The sample, sent for test, confirmed he was infected by the virus on March 6.

About five days ago, the state Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar held a meeting with the officials in view of the sudden spike in H3N2 virus infections.

According to the Health Minister, the Central government in its guidelines has set a target of 25 tests per week and the department is screening 25 cases of Sari and ILI in Victoria and Vani Vilasa Hospitals to keep track of the variants.

The infection can be seen in children under 15 years of age, and in senior citizens over 65 years of age, he had told reporters after the meeting. Pregnant women are also more likely to get infected. He said that the spread of the infection can be tackled through measures such as cleanliness, preventing crowding, and hand hygiene.

H3N2 influenza is also known as the "Hong Kong flu". Patients are taking more time to recover and coming on the heels of the Covid-19 pandemic, this virus has led to widespread concerns. Doctors have however told people not to panic and follow flu-appropriate behaviours.

What is H3N2 influenza?

H3N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus, which is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe illness in people. H3N2 was first identified in the late 1960s, and since then, it has been responsible for numerous influenza outbreaks around the world.

H3N2 is a type of seasonal flu virus that mutates frequently, which makes it challenging for scientists to create effective vaccines against it. The symptoms of H3N2 infection are similar to those of other influenza viruses and can include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

To prevent H3N2 influenza, it is essential to take some measures.

• Shaking hands or using other forms of contact greeting should be discouraged
• Keep your hands clean by washing them regularly with soap and water.
• Cover your mouth or nose with a tissue or your elbow while sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid getting in touch with sick people.
• Avoid touching your face unnecessarily, especially eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wear a face mask in crowded places.
• Stay at home when you are sick.