Rise of H3N2 Influenza in Jaipur: What you need to know?

Some of you might not know about the H3N2 Influenza (flu), but this is not new on the list of viruses. Mostly, it happens in the winter season, but as per doctors, this year it has come earlier than expected. This is because of the changes in weather, a shift in humidity to cooler which promotes the survival of the virus. This year, this is also spreading quickly. So, as a parent, you should move swiftly to protect your children.

Cradle Children’s Hospital wants to spread awareness related to the H3N2 flu, so that everyone can take precautions with preventive steps.

Firstly, Let’s Just Clear it up, What H3N2 is?

It is a specific subtype of influenza A virus, where H3 stands for the third type of Hemagglutinin protein (which allows the virus to bind) and N2 for the second type of Neuraminidase protein (which enables the viral particle to infect other cells and spread). The challenging part is that it mutates frequently, which allows it to invade your system.

At present, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Jaipur are impacted by this virus. Children under 15, adults over 50, and pregnant women are most vulnerable to this virus because of their weakened immune systems.

Seasonal Pattern of Flu

H3N2 is a seasonal flu and mostly happens during cooler or winter months. But it can appear at any time of the year. Winters are around the corner, so is this flu. The cases of flu are increasing in Jaipur also, which indicates the importance of taking precautions beforehand to protect your child, yourself, and elders from this flu.

Important instruction:

• This virus can easily spread from one person to another. While coughing, the infected person spreads the respiratory droplets, which may land in the mouth or nose of the other person. Even shaking hands with the infected person can spread the virus.
• So, if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, make sure to keep a good distance from that person and take them to a doctor for timely treatment.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Listen, these symptoms might look like a normal flu, but it is advised not to take these signs lightly.

• Early symptoms start with fever, often accompanied by chills.
• Soar throat causes difficulty while swallowing food or water.
• Moderate to severe headaches.
• Runny or blocked nose causing difficulty in breathing.
• Sneezing contributes to virus spread, so don’t ignore this.
• Persistent cough that lasts more than a week.
• Nausea, vomiting, and mild diarrhea are common signs which is found in children.

Warning Signs

Apart from those common signs, if anyone near you is facing the problems mentioned below, then don’t delay in taking them to the doctor.

• Shortness of breath
• Frequent vomiting along with dizziness
• Face and lips are turning in bluish color
• Fever lasting more than 4 days
• Having seizures or convulsions
• These signs define the severity of H3N2 and indicate that the situation has become worse.

Causes

The significant factors that contribute to the rise of H3N2 cases-

• The majority of people are facing some kind of deficiency in their bodies, which weakens the immune system. This makes an easy entrance for the virus, and spikes its spread rate.
• Poor hygiene practices where eating without washing hands, not covering the mouth and nose even after having a cough or cold, and sneezing by putting hands on the mouth.
• Close personal contact, like shaking hands with an infected individual.
• Limited access to healthcare services delays diagnosing the condition.
• Monsoon-cold weather transition offers ideal conditions for virus transmission.
• The majority of children have not yet been exposed to the current strain and hence are more vulnerable because of a low level of immunity.
• Schools, public transport, and festivities increase contact opportunities.
• Influenza vaccination rates remain low, especially in pediatric populations.

Key Difference Between Normal VS H3N2 Flu

Key Preventions

Here are key steps and precautions that you must take to protect yourself not only from H3N2 flu, but also from other also.

1. Vaccination

• Get yourself vaccinated with an annual shot, as this is one of the most effective ways to protect you and your loved ones from the virus.
• Keep yourself hydrated and eat nutrition-rich food. This helps to improve the function of the immune system.
• Adequate sleep and regular exercise help boost immunity. Sleep helps to balance cortisol levels in the body, and exercise balances the hormones.

2. Hygiene Control and Social Practices

• Make sure to wash your and your child’s hands with soap or handwash liquid.
• Keep hand sanitizer with you.
• Make sure to teach your child to stay away from those who are infected.
• Maintain basic etiquette by covering your mouth with a tissue or a handkerchief while coughing or sneezing. It will protect not only you, but others as well. And teach basic hygiene habits to your children.

3. Medications

If anyone near you is showing symptoms, then make sure that they get themselves checked. If anyone in your home is infected, even with the seasonal flu, then make sure that they take medications. This is the basic step to keep others safe as well.

Cradle Children’s Hospital in Your Service

First of all, the cases of H3N2 are continuously increasing in Jaipur, and the reason behind this is ignorance of not maintaining hygiene. Sometimes, it is hard to detect whether it is seasonal or a virus. But Cradle Children’s Hospital is there for you to guide and treat you. Timely and correct diagnosis is crucial for the best recovery outcomes. Seek medical care fast if you or a family member shows severe symptoms.

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