Ex AIIMS Chief On Ways To Prevent Spread Of Influenza Strain H3N2-Education News

Noting a spurt in cases of the H3N2 virus, which has become a cause of concern, Chairman, Institute of Internal Medicine and Respiratory and Sleep Medicine and Director of Medical Education,

Dr Randeep Guleria said that this virus mutates every year during this time and spreads through droplets.

“So, currently we are seeing an increase in the number of cases of influenza, which is basically presenting fever, sore throat cough, body aches and runny nose history and is a type of influenza virus, which we see every year during this time of the year. But it is a virus with changes over time, it mutates over time and what we call an antigenic drift,” said Dr Randeep Guleria.

“We had a pandemic many years ago of H1N1. The circulating strain of that virus is now H3N2 and therefore it is a normal influenza strain. But we are seeing more cases because as the virus mutates a little bit, the immunity that we had against the virus becomes a little less and therefore people who are susceptible tend to get infection more easily,” Dr Guleria explained.

“It spreads through droplets. However, I think there is not that much of a cause of concern because although the number of cases increased hospitalisation has not gone up to a very large extent,” he said.

“So in the festive season and we are only just around the corner. I would really say that people should celebrate Holi but they should be careful especially the elderly and those who have underlying comorbid conditions like chronic respiratory diseases, heart problems, patients have kidney problems or dialysis, they need to be careful about going into a crowded place and getting exposure,” Dr Guleria said alerting the elderly and people with comorbidities.

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