H3N2 Flu Alert In Delhi: Be Aware Of These Warning Symptoms, Precautions, And When to Seek Medical Help

Delhi is witnessing a sharp rise in H3N2 flu cases, with experts warning of severe symptoms and longer recovery. Learn about H3N2 symptoms, spread, prevention tips, and when to seek medical help.

Delhi is seeing a sharp rise in flu cases over the past week, with doctors noting that around 90% of recent diagnoses are influenza-related. On Friday, Health Minister Pankaj Singh said that hospitals in the capital are “fully prepared” to handle H3N2 cases, a subtype of influenza A. Health experts say the H3N2 strain is more severe than regular flu, with recovery taking a week or longer, and some patients even requiring hospitalisation due to complications.

While not everyone with a cough or cold needs to worry, a person could be more cautious concerning the H3N2 virus, knowing the symptoms, and preventive measures may be helpful in preventing the parasite and complications.

What Is H3N2?

One of the strains of influenza A virus has been present over many years and is known as H3 N2. It is spread through person-to-person interactions as other flu viruses by the means of respiratory droplets, emitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes or even speaks. There is also a possibility of this virus living on surfaces thus making transmission easier when individuals come in contact with infected objects and later touch their mouth, nose, or eyes.

H3N2 may also in some cases result in more serious illness even in healthy people but more so children, older adults, pregnant women and the people who have weak immunity. That is why it is so important to be given attention at the right time.

H3N2 Common Symptoms

The common flu would often be mistaken for H3N2, so not to test it adequately. However, certain symptoms may be used as warning signs:

Fever: It is usually high grade and it lasts beyond 2-3 days.
Cold or runny nose: Intermittent nasal congestion.
Sore throat: pain and irritation on swallowing.
Cough: Long-lasting and in some cases dry which may improve with time.
Pain in the body and headache: Aches and tiredness are extremely frequent.
Breathing problems: Shortness of breath or wheezing can also be experienced in a few cases.

How Does H3N2 Virus Spread?

The H3N2 virus is fast spreading, especially in the offices or schools and transport systems. Flu viruses thrive best in seasons in particular seasons like during winter-spring transition. It is due to this that at times they do spike suddenly.

H3N2: Precautions To Stay Safe

As far as viral infections are concerned, prevention is better than cure. These are some of the best measures to take in order to defend yourself and the other people:

Wash hands often with soap and water or apply alcohol sanitizers.
Cover your face with a mask when going to places with numerous people in order to curb the chances of breathing droplets.
When close to someone who is sneezing or coughing keep distance.
Keep a distance with other people in case of being unhealthy. Keep at home so that you can not infect people.
One should avoid dehydration and eat a nutritious diet to improve your immunity. Eat a healthy amount of fruits, vegetables, and fluids.
Annual flu vaccines may lessen severity and probability of getting infected particularly in individuals at high risk.
Clean frequently touched surfaces with items such as phones, door handles and keyboards.

Key Highlights

Delhi sees a surge in flu cases with H3N2 subtype dominating recent infections.
Doctors warn H3N2 can cause more severe illness compared to seasonal flu.
Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and breathing issues.
Preventive steps: masks, hand hygiene, social distancing, and flu vaccination.
At-risk groups like children, elderly, and pregnant women need extra caution.

Are You Infected With H3N2 Virus: Here’s What To Do

Rest, fluids and over the counter medicine are usually enough in most cases of flu. However a doctor should be consulted when:

Fever lasts more than 3 days.
Difficulty in breathing or the feeling of tightness in the chest appears.
The cough only gets worse.
You are part of an at-risk population (children, older adults or pregnant women and women with chronic diseases).

Staying cautious and informed is the best defence against viral outbreaks like H3N2.