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Do you have a cough or cold, or have you noticed a spike in persistent cough accompanied by fever? You are not alone.
What you need to know:
- Influenza A H3N2 virus outbreak
- How long does the H3N2 outbreak usually last?
- Symptoms and diagnosis of the H3N2 virus
- Who should take special precautions for the H3N2 virus?
- Guidelines for H3N2 as per the Indian Medical Association
Influenza A H3N2 virus outbreak
India has witnessed a rise in flu cases for the past 2-3 months due to Influenza A subtype H3N2, which can cause more hospitalizations than any other type of influenza. Also called the Hong Kong flu, this seasonal influenza causes acute respiratory infections.
There are 4 types of seasonal influenzas: A, B, C, and D. According to the World Health Organization, Influenza A and B viruses cause seasonal epidemics of disease. Influenza A virus is further classified into subtypes according to the combinations of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), the proteins on the virus’ surface. There are 18 different subtypes of HA viruses, numbered from H1 through H18. Similarly, there are 11 different subtypes of the NA virus, numbered from N1 through N11.
How long does the H3N2 outbreak usually last?
While a seasonal fever can last 5-7 days, in some cases, the cough can persist for up to 3 weeks. Air pollution is also a triggering factor that hampers respiratory immunity.
Symptoms and diagnosis of the H3N2 virus
Common symptoms of this viral infection include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Muscle and body aches
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Breathlessness (in some cases)
Who should take special precautions for the H3N2 virus?
According to the data given by ICMR from the 15th of December to date, about half of all inpatient severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and outpatient influenza-like illnesses were found to be afflicted with Influenza A H3N2 virus. Individuals who are at a higher risk of contracting this virus and getting serious flu complications to include:
- People with asthma or other chronic lung diseases (like cystic fibrosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Adults above 50 years of age
- Infants and children below 15 years of age
- People with a weakened immune system due to a disease (cancer, HIV, AIDS, etc.)
- Those who have liver disorders
- Individuals with endocrine disorders (like diabetes mellitus)
- Those who are obese or overweight
- Pregnant women and lactating mothers
Guidelines for H3N2 as per the Indian Medical Association
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has suggested the following dos and don’ts as precautions to reduce the spread of the flu:
Dos:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before consuming food.
- Cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing. Sneeze into your elbow or a handkerchief to avoid the surge of this flu.
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of fluids.
- Take paracetamol for fever and body aches. The IMA has advised doctors to prescribe only symptomatic treatment.
- If you have the flu, self-quarantine for 24 hours until the fever has subsided.
- It is essential for people to take their flu vaccinations on time.
Don’ts:
- Avoid touching your eyes and nose with unwashed or unclean hands.
- Avoid crowded areas where the virus can easily spread. If you have to step outside, you can wear a face mask to protect yourself.
- Restrict your interactions with sick people.
- Don’t spit in public.
- Avoid shaking hands with others.
- Avoid eating next to others in a crowd.
- The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has advised against the use of other antibiotics. If people start taking antibiotics without caring for dose and frequency and stop after they feel better, it can lead to antibiotic resistance. IMA issued a statement where they mentioned, “Whenever there will be real use of antibiotics, they will not work due to the resistance.”
West Bengal has also seen the rise of adenovirus, which can cause flu-like symptoms, like fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes but not always cough, eye infection, stomach distress, and breathing problems. Children under 2 years of age and those with a compromised immune system or a history of respiratory and cardiac problems are the most vulnerable. The difference between adenovirus and H3N2 is that the former doesn’t have a season like other viruses.
Immunity-boosting foods
While no single food can provide instant immunity, consuming a healthy and balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich can boost your immune system. Here are some immunity-boosting foods you can include in your diet to keep the flu at bay:
- Citrus fruits, like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, are rich sources of vitamin C, which helps to boost the production of white blood cells that fight infections.
- Garlic contains immunity-boosting properties and can stimulate white blood cell production. It contains sulfur compounds that can help fight infections.
- Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties, and it can improve blood circulation.
- Green leafy vegetables comprise antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E that can support your immune system.
- The curcumin compound in turmeric contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can boost the immune system.
- Berries like raspberries or strawberries contain vitamin C and help protect cells from damage.
- Yogurt is a great source of probiotics, which gives a boost to the good bacteria in the gut.
- Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and sunflower seeds are energy-boosting healthy snacks containing vitamins and minerals that regulate the immune system.
Immunity-boosting exercises
A healthy diet is just one part of supporting your immunity. Getting enough sleep and exercising daily are strong components of maintaining a strong and healthy immune system. Some immunity-boosting exercises include:
- Brisk walking is a low-intensity exercise that can boost your metabolism. Other activities like jogging, swimming, or cycling can help increase blood flow and reduce inflammation.
- Strength and resistance training, such as weight-lifting or bodyweight exercises, can help build muscle and improve immune function.
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) exercises involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by periods of rest or low-intensity exercises. They can also help improve your immune system.
- Yoga, as an age-old practise, can help reduce stress and inflammation. Yoga asanas, like the shoulder stand or downward-facing dog, can help stimulate the immune system.
Follow the above-mentioned preventive measures to curb the spread of this virus.
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