Feeling Under the Weather? Relax, You're Not Alone: A Look at Rising Flu Cases in India

 Feeling under the weather? Relax, you're not alone. Several parts of India have been reporting a high number of influenza cases in the last two months with prolonged illness and lingering cough. After battling two years of Covid pandemic, the rise in flu cases has created a scare among general public

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)'s latest report, the residents are not suffering from any casual fever but it is a virus that has gripped the larger population.

 Doctors believe that the influenza A (H3N2) virus that has been circulating for the last 2-3 months is responsible. 

The H3N2 virus generally triggers a certain reaction or inflammation in the upper airways or sometimes even in the lungs. While the fever, cough, cold, and body ache settle in 3-5 days, the dry cough persists for a few weeks.

The pandemic has altered many aspects of living and the effects of novel virus on human health continue to be seen by doctors, public health experts and researchers alike. One such observation is the rise in influenza cases across India. In the last two months, different parts of the country have reported a high number of influenza cases with prolonged illness and dry cough persisting for weeks. While many believed these cases could be attributed to seasonal fever, medical studies point towards an overriding flu virus - Influenza A (H3N2).

Unlike what's observed with Covid-19, H3N2 can affect people belonging to all age groups. Since it is highly contagious, it can spread through droplets released while coughing or sneezing. Recognizing these threats early and testing those who show mild symptoms could help mitigate the spread from one person to several others since this flu virus affects general health over a longer period than expected.

The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) identified six states that had particularly low vaccination rates along with high numbers of dyspnea (shortness of breath), suggesting an intense viral attack were Delhi, Karnataka, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha and Rajasthan. 

However this does not imply not taking necessary precautions when it comes to Covid-19. Protecting oneself from both diseases requires wearing masks whenever possible outside our homes and washing hands regularly out of personal hygiene protocols. Additionally maintaining physical distancing becomes a key factor in protecting oneself from any infection whilst both indoor and outside activities are conducted. If proper measures aren’t taken then both H3N2 and corona viruses can affect even healthy individuals who don’t belong to vulnerable categories based on their age or existing medical conditions. 

While H3N2 risks should also be addressed urgently till preventive measures like mass vaccination become more available; governments should prioritize increasing access to healthcare facilities so that worried patients can get tested quickly wherever they need instead of having to wait up weeks before results. And access medication timely and have symptomatic support along the way too.  Vaccinating children would also require encouragement since. According to ICMR report only 42% population is vaccinated fighting outbreaks with attention towards best vaccine coverage rates specifically among vulnerable populations is our chance at preventing future pandemics as well as increase preventive care efforts throughout our societies  

   In conclusion as much as we take this H3N2 Virus seriously, similarly its important to know about other infections like influenza which can cause long term illnesses . By understanding causes ,prevention methods one must actively work on decreasing potential transmission points rather than sitting back until you yourself or your known ones fall prey.