According to doctors, there is an increasing number of H3N2 influenza infections in children under 5 years of age. H3N2 is a strain of influenza. which is a virus that is the main cause of influenza in humans Now, while COVID-19 patients is on the rise in India. Many children complain of fever, cough and cold. Most patients complain of a persistent cough lasting up to 3 weeks and high fever for 1-2 days, and do not even respond to paracetamol. with these complaints Many children have mobility issues. In children, H3N2 can cause significant complications and a slightly longer recovery time. This can result in respiratory infections or pneumonia. This can lead to hospitalization and even death in severe cases.
Is this a new breed?
India has seen an increase in H3N2 infections. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), as many as 50 percent of hospitalizations due to respiratory illnesses are caused by the H3N2 strain of the influenza A virus. It is a common respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus, which includes several types A, B, C, and D. Swine flu H1N1 and the most common strain this year, H3N2, are the most common and common types of influenza A. It has been in circulation for quite some time.
The unique feature of this virus is its ability to mutate gradually. as well as sudden violent mutations This has allowed the virus to continue to wreak havoc on public health.
The influenza virus is the cause of pandemics that are scarier and worse than in the past. Like the outbreak of COVID-19 The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 5-20 percent of the US population is infected with influenza each year. This resulted in more than 200,000 hospitalizations and thousands of deaths. It is an ongoing serious public health problem in the country. It is recommended that children, the elderly and certain at-risk groups receive regular seasonal influenza vaccination. Because India found more cases during the rainy season or winter.
H3N2 in India
India has seen a significant increase in H3N2 infections this year. This is much higher than the normal annual prevalence rate. Several states, including Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Odisha and Maharashtra, have issued public health advisories.
However, not all H3N2 is H3N2. Most rhinoviruses are flu infections that cause mild symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing. H1N1 influenza A virus, adenovirus, and most recently SARS-CoV 2 (Covid-19) are the third most prevalent viruses among hospitalized respiratory illness patients. Please note that there are only a few virus testing facilities available. And the published information is only a small part. all items only
How do you know if your child has H3N2?
Unfortunately, H3N2 has no pathological signs and symptoms. Differentiating between symptoms of H3N2 and the common cold seasonal flu or even mild cases of COVID-19 is much more difficult These symptoms may include high fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, runny nose, cough, loose stools and vomiting. H3N2 symptoms can be more severe and persistent in some children. Until having to be admitted to the hospital lethargy eating bad food Respiratory problems, chest tightness, or persistent high fever are just some of them. Your doctor may order tests to make a diagnosis if needed.
How is this disease spread?
This virus is very contagious. spread through infected droplets and may include spread from surfaces contaminated with respiratory secretions
How can you protect children?
To keep yourself and your family safe during the ongoing pandemic. Follow these basic precautions:
1. Drink lots of water and eat a healthy, balanced diet.
2. Maintain good hand hygiene especially after touching public surfaces By washing your hands often or using your hands to rub.
3. Avoid social events and public spaces.
4. To participate in public events to wear a hygienic mask
5. Spend the first 5-7 days of illness at home to avoid infecting others.
6. If you have a fever, cough or cold, stay away from young children, the elderly and people with medical conditions. when interacting keep off your face
7. Avoid self-medication. (Do not take antibiotics without your doctor’s advice.)
8. When feeling sick See your doctor and explain your symptoms.
9. See your doctor immediately if you have any symptoms of difficulty breathing, such as difficulty breathing, decreased oxygen saturation levels. Poor appetite or drinking or change in perception
Vaccination is essential to prevent influenza.
The most important pillar of disease prevention is immunization. In India, trivalent and four-valent inactivated influenza virus vaccination is approved and recommended for all children over the age of six. month Your child will receive 2 doses of the flu vaccine the first time. (Usually between 6 months and 1 year old) and after that, annual vaccination is indicated.
Every year there is a new strain of vaccine. So you should make sure your child is vaccinated. Especially before flu season begins. H1NI and H3N2 influenza vaccine strains as well as 1 or 2 strains of B are covered by the vaccine available in the Indian market.
In principle Everyone should get an annual flu shot. and those at high risk of serious illness, such as young children under 5, the elderly over 65, pregnant women, or those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes or immunodeficiency, should definitely be advised to do so and extremely It is good for all adults to be vaccinated during a pandemic like the one we are experiencing today. so that at-risk people are protected from exposure
