H3N2 Flu Sweeps Through Delhi-NCR: Over 69% Households Affected, Experts Warn Against Ignoring High Fever And Fatigue

Delhi NCR sees a sharp rise in H3N2 flu cases. Learn symptoms, risks and how to stay protected this season.

As the seasons shift, Delhi NCR is facing an unexpected health challenge, which is a significant spike in H3N2 flu cases. According to recent data, nearly 69 per cent of households in the region have reported at least one family member falling ill with flu like symptoms over the past few weeks.

H3N2 Virus Spreading In Delhi-NCR: All You Need To Know

The H3N2 virus is a subtype of the influenza virus, which is known to cause seasonal flu outbreaks. This year, however, it seems to be hitting harder and spreading faster than usual. The H3N2 virus causes influenza, and it consists of primary strains of Influenza A, B, C and D, which impact humans. Its nature mainly consists of flu outbreaks and a high transmission rate.

Warning Symptoms of H3N2 Virus

Symptoms of H3N2 last for around 5 to 7 days, while fever can last up to 3 days, and a constant cough can stay for weeks. If you want to recover fast, then you must take proper rest, hydration and medications. You can prevent H3N2 Infection with vaccination, hand hygiene, mask usage, social distancing , a healthy lifestyle and home isolation. Some of the diagnoses of this virus are RT-PCR testing, Viral culture and antibody tests.

You can face these symptoms when you are infected with the H3N2 Virus:

High fever, which can go up to 102 degrees Fahrenheit.
A constant cough that can remain for a few days or weeks.
A person with this virus has severe body aches too.
A runny nose and sore throat is another sign
A person can feel weakness and fatigue lasting for at least a week.

The reason for the cause of worry is that flu is lasting for longer time, with many people taking 7 to 10 days to fully recover instead of the usual 3 to 5 days.

Why Is H3N2 Virus On The Rise In Delhi?

There are a few factors that contribute to the rise in cases:

Weather change: the transition from monsoon to autumn creates perfect environment for viruses to thrive.
Poor air quality: daily air pollution, weekends, respiratory health, making people more vulnerable to infections.
Low post covid immunity: experts believe people may be more at danger due to changes in exposure and immunitylevels post covid lockdowns.

Who Is At Risk?

While anyone can get infected , the groups that are at most risk are :

Children under five.
Elderly people especially over 65
people with chronic illness like asthma, diabetes , heart disease and pregnant women
Individuals with weakened immune system

H3N2 Virus Vs COVID-19: What’s The Difference?

Although H3N2 symptoms can look a lot like COVID-19, but they are caused by different viruses. Covid tests often come back negative in these flu cases, but since symptoms old, it’s always best to consult doctor and roll out COVID-19. If you have a fever and cough.

How To Stay Safe From The Virus Infection?

Whether you are trying to avoid getting sick or already feeling effects, here are some important tips

Practice Good Hygiene which means Try washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
Try using hand sanitiser when outside.
Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
Wear masks in crowded places : this can help you reduce transmission, specially when you are coughing or sneezing
Home remedies and hydration
You should try drinking warm fluids like herbal tea, soup and water
You should try resting as much as possible
During this time, it is place to inhale, steam to ease out congestion
Try gargling with salt water to get some relief from sore throat
Consult a doctor before taking antibiotics

Many people start antibiotics without proper guidance, which is not effective for viral infections like H3N2 . You should consult your doctor before consuming any antibiotics.If you are sick, then you should stay home and avoid contact with others for at least 5 to 7 days for symptoms, dismiss totally.

Overall, you must rush to a doctor if you or someone you care, faces, difficulty in breathing, chest, pain, constant, high fever, and severe dehydration.With nearly 7 and 10 households affected with the H3N2 flu is clearly making strong comeback this season. But with the right precautions you can protect yourself and your family . If you have any of these symptoms, then don’t hesitate to seek medical advice because it’s not treated in time it can worsen.

FAQs

Is H3N2 Flu Same As Covid 19 ?

No, H3N2 is a different virus, though some symptoms may overlap with Covid 19.

How Long Does H3N2 Flu Last?

Most people take 7 to 10 days to fully recover from H3N2 flu

What Are The Common Symptoms Of H3N2 Flu?

High fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, and fatigue are common symptoms.

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