NEW DELHI: As India continues to see a surge in cases of H3N2 flu, health experts on Monday advised people to take precautions such as wearing masks, improving hand hygiene and getting an annual flu vaccination.
States have reported a total of 3,038 laboratory-confirmed cases of H3N2, including various subtypes of influenza, through March 9, according to the latest data available from IDSP-IHIP (Integrated Health Information Platform).
This includes 1,245 cases in January, 1,307 in February and 486 cases up to March 9.
“I think the government can make masks mandatory in public transport, hospitals, airports, train stations and other public transport areas for now. People should avoid going to crowded places or wear a face mask at all times. public, » Dr. Sunil SekriAssociate Consultant – Internal Medicine, Max hospital, Gurugram told IANS.
The respiratory virus “is spread by droplets, which means that secretions can spread from person to person, and most people touch their noses and mouths at some point, or secretions can be left on fingers and when shaking hands with other people,” said Dr. Rajeev JayadevanThe co-chairman of the Indian Medical Association’s National Covid-19 Task Force argues for the need for face coverings, especially in indoor gatherings with large crowds.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Covid-19 virus, swine flu (H1N1), H3N2 and seasonal Victoria and Yamagata Origin of circulating influenza B viruses.
H3N2 and H3N1 are two types of the influenza A virus, commonly known as the flu.
Some of the most common symptoms include prolonged fever, cough, runny nose, and body aches. But in severe cases, people may experience shortness of breath and/or wheezing.
Meanwhile, Covid infections also reported a surge after four months as 524 daily Covid cases were reported on Sunday.
“In the last three years, we have learned how to prevent respiratory infections. Because infections go outside, through the nose and mouth, you have to cover that area, it’s a mask. Proper masks are necessary, especially when you’re sick. In crowded places,” said Dr. In Isvar Gilainfectious diseases specialist.
“Wearing a bib is especially important for people with co-morbidities and family members who have co-morbidities,” he said.
Experts also recommended that people wash their hands before eating or using any public transport with soap or sanitizer to reduce the risk of infection.
Another thing is to get an annual flu shot to boost immunity. That’s because “the vaccine you got last year may not necessarily cover the flu virus next year or the year after that. It gives you initial protection, but it may not give you the best protection,” says Dr. Jayadevan told IANS.
In addition, experts say that antibiotics should be avoided in the treatment of influenza, because they act only against bacteria, not viruses.
“Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections such as the flu or Covid-19. Antibiotics are designed to kill and kill bacteria, not viruses. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed when a bacterial infection is suspected or if there is a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia that develops as a result of a viral illness,” he said. Dr Laxman JessaniConsultant, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, told IANS.
“However, it is important to use antibiotics wisely and only when absolutely necessary to help prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” added Jessani.
States have reported a total of 3,038 laboratory-confirmed cases of H3N2, including various subtypes of influenza, through March 9, according to the latest data available from IDSP-IHIP (Integrated Health Information Platform).
This includes 1,245 cases in January, 1,307 in February and 486 cases up to March 9.
“I think the government can make masks mandatory in public transport, hospitals, airports, train stations and other public transport areas for now. People should avoid going to crowded places or wear a face mask at all times. public, » Dr. Sunil SekriAssociate Consultant – Internal Medicine, Max hospital, Gurugram told IANS.
The respiratory virus “is spread by droplets, which means that secretions can spread from person to person, and most people touch their noses and mouths at some point, or secretions can be left on fingers and when shaking hands with other people,” said Dr. Rajeev JayadevanThe co-chairman of the Indian Medical Association’s National Covid-19 Task Force argues for the need for face coverings, especially in indoor gatherings with large crowds.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Covid-19 virus, swine flu (H1N1), H3N2 and seasonal Victoria and Yamagata Origin of circulating influenza B viruses.
H3N2 and H3N1 are two types of the influenza A virus, commonly known as the flu.
Some of the most common symptoms include prolonged fever, cough, runny nose, and body aches. But in severe cases, people may experience shortness of breath and/or wheezing.
Meanwhile, Covid infections also reported a surge after four months as 524 daily Covid cases were reported on Sunday.
“In the last three years, we have learned how to prevent respiratory infections. Because infections go outside, through the nose and mouth, you have to cover that area, it’s a mask. Proper masks are necessary, especially when you’re sick. In crowded places,” said Dr. In Isvar Gilainfectious diseases specialist.
“Wearing a bib is especially important for people with co-morbidities and family members who have co-morbidities,” he said.
Experts also recommended that people wash their hands before eating or using any public transport with soap or sanitizer to reduce the risk of infection.
Another thing is to get an annual flu shot to boost immunity. That’s because “the vaccine you got last year may not necessarily cover the flu virus next year or the year after that. It gives you initial protection, but it may not give you the best protection,” says Dr. Jayadevan told IANS.
In addition, experts say that antibiotics should be avoided in the treatment of influenza, because they act only against bacteria, not viruses.
“Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections such as the flu or Covid-19. Antibiotics are designed to kill and kill bacteria, not viruses. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed when a bacterial infection is suspected or if there is a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia that develops as a result of a viral illness,” he said. Dr Laxman JessaniConsultant, Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, told IANS.
“However, it is important to use antibiotics wisely and only when absolutely necessary to help prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria,” added Jessani.
