Influenza A subtype H3N2 is linked to recent prevalence of respiratory illness in India: ICMR

ICMR has recommended people wash their hands frequently and avoid shaking hands and spitting in public places.

Information:

About the findings:

According to the data shared by ICMR, pan respiratory virus surveillance has been established by ICMR/DHR across 30 VRDLs.

The surveillance data collected from December 15 to date indicates the increase in the number of cases of influenza A H3N2. Around 50% of inpatients are suffering from severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and outpatient influenza-like symptoms were found to have influenced A H3N2.

Statement:

Words from ICMR:

“Out of the hospitalized SARI patients with influenza A H3N2, about 92 per cent are suffering from fever, 86 per cent from cough, 27 per cent from breathlessness, 16 per cent with wheezing, and additionally, 16 per cent had clinical signs of pneumonia and 6 per cent has seizures. Also, 10 per cent of SARI patients who have H3N2 needed oxygen, and 7 per cent required ICU care,” ICMR stated.

“The Do's include washing hands with soap and water. If symptomatic, wear masks and avoid crowded places, cover mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing, take plenty of fluids, avoid touching eyes and nose, and take paracetamol for fever and body ache,” ICMR stated.

It further added, “The Don’ts include shaking hands or using other contact greetings, spitting in public, taking antibiotics or other medicines without consulting a doctor, eating together sitting close to others.”

Words from Dr. Arjun Dang:

According to Dr. Arjun Dang, CEO, Dr Dangs Lab, “In the past few weeks, we’ve gotten more than a few 100 tests out of which a lot of them are positive for H3N2. But it’s interesting to see that we are getting less H1N1 positive.”

Words from Dr. Sameer Bhati:

Dr Sameer Bhati, Public Health Expert, and Director, Star imaging and path lab said, “We have observed an increase in Flu cases where H3N2 is found majorly after diagnosis. We do RT PCR for its confirmation where RNA is extracted from the samples and then it is amplified using RT PCR technology.”

“The results are interpreted on the basis of specific fluroscent dye for each Infuenza viruses like H1N1, H3N2, H5N1 and H7N9. Generally, when H3N2 dominates the flu cases, the cases are severe for people in At-Risk Groups like older adults & younger children while people with chronic medical issues have more chances of experiencing flu complications due to weak immune systems and may also require hospitalisation,” he further said.