Experts have recently observed a surge in cases of H3N2 influenza in India, which they attribute to a combination of reduced immunity due to negligible flu cases in the past three years and decreased adherence to Covid-appropriate behavior such as wearing masks and frequent hand washing.
Dr. Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS Delhi, explained that Covid-19 remained the dominant virus during the pandemic, leading to a lack of exposure to flu and reduced immunity against it.
The surge in flu cases is expected to continue for several months, with varying intensity across different states, according to Dr. Raja Dhar, director of pulmonology at CMRI, Kolkata.
Experts caution the public to follow precautions such as wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and avoiding crowded places to prevent the spread of both Covid-19 and the flu.
Additionally, special precautions should be taken with children, who should wear masks and keep their hands clean when attending school.
Finally, Dr. Aditya Bhati, a neurologist at the Apollo hospital, emphasized the need for a balanced lifestyle, as the H3N2 virus can have more severe effects on the brain, including brain stroke and hemorrhage.
Key Takeaways
- A surge in H3N2 influenza cases has been observed in India due to reduced immunity and decreased adherence to Covid-appropriate behavior.
- The surge in flu cases is expected to continue for several months, with varying intensity across different states.
- Precautions such as wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and avoiding crowded places should be followed to prevent the spread of both Covid-19 and the flu.
- Special precautions should be taken with children, who should wear masks and keep their hands clean when attending school.
- The H3N2 virus can have more severe effects on the brain, including brain stroke and hemorrhage, so a balanced lifestyle is recommended.