H3N2 influenza death: India’s first two deaths in Karnataka, Haryana

New Delhi: The Government today said that two people died of influenza that was caused by the H3N2 virus. One died in Karnataka and the other in Haryana.

According to reports, Karnataka’s Hassan, 82-year-old is said to be the first patient to have died of H3N2 in the country. While Hire Gowda who was admitted to the hospital died on March 1. He was admitted on February 24th. It is also said that he was diabetic and suffered from hypertension.

There are around 90 cases of the H3N2 virus that have been reported in the country. Also, around eight cases of the H1N1 virus have also been detected.

The cases of flu is on a rise in the country for the past few months. Several infections are caused due to the H3N2 virus which is also known as the “Hong Kong flu”.

So far cases of H3N2 and H1N1 infections have been only detected in India.

The symptoms of H3N2 and H1N1 infections are also similar to covid. After covid19 pandemic, now the flu has become a major concern among people.

What are its symptoms?

• Cough,
• Chills
• Nausea
• Fever
• Wheezing
• Breathlessness
• Sore-throat
• Body-ache
• Diarrhoea.

What do Experts say about this virus?

According to the experts, H3N2 and H1N1 viruses are highly contagious and these are communicable and can be passed on to the other person through coughing, sneezing, and close contact with an infected person.

How to prevent oneself from this?

With the increase in these cases, doctors have advised people to take covid-like precautions like washing of hands regularly and wearing masks.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also asked people to cover their mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing, also to avoid touching the eyes and the nose and take paracetamol for fever and body ache.