India is witnessing a huge spike in H3N2 cases since the start of 2023. Doctors share symptoms and precautions to follow, even as they as ask people not to panic.
On Friday, India confirmed its first two deaths due to the H3N2 influenza virus.
82-year-old Hire Gowda from Karnataka - a diabetic who suffered from hypertension - died due to the H3N2 seasonal influenza subtype. Haryana registered the second death - that of a 56-year-old lung cancer patient.
According to the data shared by the ministry, 451 cases of H3N2 have been reported in the country from January 2 to March 5.
H3N2 is a non-human influenza virus that normally circulates in pigs and has infected humans, according to the US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This virus is known to be a subtype of Influenza A virus.
Symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu viruses and can include fever and respiratory symptoms such as cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, including body ache, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
Though the Covid pandemic seems to be ending, the spate of respiratory illnesses continues among adults with a significant number being infected with influenza viruses such as H3N2, adenovirus, and H1N1.
Doctors say there's no need to panic yet as "only about 5% of cases have been reported to be hospitalised." However, hygiene - hand washing, masks - and caution must be maintained, experts say.