With H3N2 influenza A being one major cause of flu-like illness in the area, a sudden peak is being witnessed in Delhi-NCR. Hospitals in Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad are seeing an increasing influx of patients exhibiting symptoms of fever, cough, and throat irritation; thus indicating rapid community transmission.
What is H3N2?
H3N2 is a sub-type of influenza group A virus, which frequently causes seasonal flu outbreaks all over the world. An infected person spreads it when droplets are expelled by coughing, sneezing, or even talking. The virus mutates with the time, so the previous immunity may not be a guarantee for protection against any seasonal outbreaks.
The global health agencies, including the WHO, largely focus on the flu vaccines against the active strains such as H3N2. And for the next season 2025-26, the recommended flu shots are already covering this variant.
Why does it seem to be spreading now in Delhi-NCR?
Experts explain a few more factors at play causing this current surge:
- Changing seasons: As the sky turns cooler and drier, it offers great survival conditions for these flu viruses through their transmission.
- Lack of immunity: Many individuals have not been given updated flu shots this year, and the immunity gained from prior infections is wearing off.
- Crowded City Life: In the NCR region, crowded classrooms, busy offices, and public transport act as catalysts for the rapid transmission of the virus.
- Socialization: With festivals, events, and weddings all goings-on, these huge gatherings are turning into infection hotspots.
A mid-September community survey nearly saw 70 percent of households in the Delhi-NCR region report having at least one member experiencing flu-like symptoms. This was a big jump from earlier in the year.
Symptoms to Watch for
H3N2 infections strike suddenly, with symptoms appearing within one to three days of incubation. These symptoms include:
- Sudden high fevers and chills
- A continually irritating dry cough and sore throat
- Nasal congestion and running nose
- Headache and muscle pain
- Extreme fatigue or tiredness
Sometimes the patient may have nausea, vomiting, and breathing difficulties. Most of the healthy adults recover in roughly one week but unending coughing and tiredness are experienced longer. One should rush to the hospital for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Who is at greatest risk?
While the flu can develop in any individual, certain persons are deemed at greater risk of developing complications due to H3N2:
- Elderly people (in particular, those over 65 years of age)
- Children below five years of age
- Pregnant women
- People with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, or immunocompromised health
- Hospitals workers frequently exposed to patients
For all of these persons, early treatment and prevention are essential.
Protection measures for yourself
The practical steps one would have the option to follow to reduce their risk are the following:
- Vaccination: The seasonal vaccines are effective against H3N2 and are really well recommended for high-risk groups. In fact, it is all throughout the day to get the vaccine now.
- Face mask: In crowded or congested areas such as markets, metros, offices, etc.
- Hand hygiene: Keep your hands clean by washing with soap and water or using hand sanitizers that are only alcohol-based.
- Stay home if sick: If you have a fever, please do not go to work or school; instead, stay home and avoid socializing until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
- Ventilation: Keep windows open if possible to reduce the viral load.
- Early consultation: In the high-risk group, one can reduce their severity if given antiviral medicines within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Stay Alert, Not Anxious
Health authorities urge the people to not panic but stay cautious. Advice coming from several Delhi hospitals to keep a close watch on flu cases, even doctors emphasize vaccination and preventive care.
Even if this H3N2 virus is nothing new, its rampant spread in the Delhi-NCR belt currently goes on to prove how quickly seasonal viruses can overwhelm a population when respective preventive measures are not taken. When the whole work of responsible governments goes on to get help from responsible individuals through masking, vaccination, hygiene, and/or medical attention at the appropriate time, the surge shall be at bay, saving lives of individuals as well as public.
The Deeper Cure: Spiritual Protection
While doctors may cure diseases of the physical body, Tatavdarshi Saint Rampal ji talks about another reality; that is, every disease and problem is curable by worshipping Supreme God Kabir Saheb Ji. But that worship should be according to the method described in our holy scriptures. Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj imparts this true spiritual knowledge to the people and grooms them with the real Satnaam–Sarnam mantra as per scriptures.
Doctors give some medicines that offer temporary relief; true protection and final salvation come only through worship of Supreme God Kabir Saheb Ji. Therefore, following the steps of Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, one attains Satlok and thus remains free from sufferings met in this worldly life. Follow Him for more such scriptures based knowledge on #SatlokAshramYoutubeChannel
FAQs about H3N2 virus-NCR Delhi
Q1. What exactly is the H3N2 virus-NCR Delhi?
Answer. In India, influenza virus H3N2 is a cause for seasonal influenza. It spreads by the person who has the cough and sneeze or sometimes by mere close contact.
Q2.What are common symptoms of an H3N2 infection?
Answer. High fever, dry cough, throat pain, nasal discharge, body ache, weakness, and sometimes nausea or breathlessness.
Q3. Who is the most susceptible to H3N2 influenza?
Answer. The elderly, young children, pregnant women, persons with chronic diseases, and healthcare workers.
Q4. How can one be protected against the H3N2 virus?
Answer. Vaccination, wearing masks, washing hands, good ventilation, and staying home when sick.
Q5. What is the higher cure besides the medicine?
Answer. According to Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, worship of Supreme God Kabir Saheb Ji as per the scriptures actually yields a true and permanent cure.
