H3N2 virus in India: Check symptoms, treatment, test and medicine

H3N2 Virus Symptoms, Treatment: Several hospitals across the county have reported a rise in flu cases in the last few days. Recent data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) also shows that H3N2 - a sub-type of the influenza virus - has been in wide circulation for the last two-three months.

It said that the virus generally lasts from five to seven days, the IMA said in a statement, adding that "it is seasonal".

"A sudden increase in the number of patients having symptoms of cough, nausea, vomiting, sore throat fever, body ache, and diarrhoea in some cases," the IMA wrote on Twitter.
The IMA further mentioned that the H3N2 virus is typically seen in people aged below 15 or over the age of 50. Some of the patients reported an upper respiratory infection along with a fever. "Air pollution" is also a precipitating factor.

People are advised to avoid crowded places, practising good hand and respiratory hygiene practices as well as the flu vaccination.

IMA advised medical practitioners to give only symptomatic treatment as there is no need for antibiotics.

H3N2 symptoms

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Muscle and body aches
• Diarrhoea
• Runny nose and sneezing

H3N2: Dos

• Wash hands with water and soap
• Wear face masks
• Avoid touching mouth and nose
• Cover nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing
• Stay hydrated 
• Take only prescribed medicines

H3N2: Don’ts

• Shand shake
• Spit in public
• Eat while sitting next to others or in a crowd

H3N2 precautions from antibiotics

The IMA pointed out antibiotics like Athreycin and Amoxiclav etc should not be consumed frequently. Consuming extra antibiotics leads to antibiotic resistance.

"Whenever there will be a real use of antibiotics, they will not work due to the resistance," the IMA wrote.

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