Influenza viruses are generally considered self-limiting and benign. “But this year, patients suffering from the infection are reporting a prolonged cough, persistent fever and other complications. Hospitalizations have also increased, necessitating increased vigilance,” said Dr GC Khilnani, chair of the PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine.
One reason behind the increased virulence of seasonal influenza is the predominance of H3N2, a subtype of influenza A virus, which causes more hospitalizations than the other subtypes, senior health ministry officials said.
According to the ministry, the ICMR laboratory network has been monitoring human influenza virus regularly in patients suffering from severe acute respiratory disease (SARI) and influenza-like illness (ILI). The trends observed from the beginning of this year, from January 2 to March 5, clearly suggest the predominance of H3N2 which accounts for almost 79% of all influenza viruses found in samples taken from people with SARI or ILI. Influenza B Victoria (14%), a subtype of influenza B, is the second most common virus subtype, and influenza A H1N1 (7%), also known as swine flu, is the third most commonly detected influenza virus . “He was holding a meeting to review the growing #H3N2 influenza virus cases in the country. Notice to states to be alert and closely monitor the situation. The Indian government is working with states and extending support for public health measures to address the situation,” Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted.
He held a meeting to review the rising cases of the #H3N2 influenza virus in the country. Notice released to States to be active… https://t.co/wLT7Z9MLal
— Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) 1678451353000
Sources said that Niti Aayog, the apex public policy think tank of the Indian government, will also hold a ministerial meeting on Saturday to review the seasonal flu situation in the states and to find ways to further support them in terms of public health measures. , guidelines and management protocols to manage the increase in cases of viral infection causing symptoms such as fever, cough, wheezing and shortness of breath, among others.
H3N2 flu symptoms, treatment and safety precautions
Oseltamivir is the drug recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of the disease caused by influenza A. The health ministry said the drug is made available free of charge through the public health system. “The government permitted the sale of Oseltamivir under Schedule H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act in February 2017 for wider accessibility and availability. Proper logistics is available with states. However, in case of emergencies, the Indian government has provided support to states to overcome the crisis,” the ministry said in a statement.
Dr Nivedita Gupta, head of epidemiology at the ICMR, recently told TOI that the surge in infections caused by H3N2 is likely to subside from the end of March or the first week of April when the temperature starts to rise .
According to the ICMR, which conducted a survey of patients hospitalized with ILI and subsequently confirmed positive for H3N2, 92% of patients had fever, 86% cough, 27% dyspnea, 16% wheezing. Furthermore, ICMR surveillance found that 16% of such patients had pneumonia and 6% had seizures. “About 10% of patients with severe acute respiratory infections caused by H3N2 required oxygen and 7% required intensive care care,” health research agency Apex said.
H3N2 becomes cause for concern, health experts advise mask wearing: RML hospital director
