Kolkata: 4-in-1 Flu Vaccination can help protect against H3N2 and three other strains of Flu.
Recent reports from ICMR show that cases of flu caused by the virus H3N2 is spreading across the country.
This viral strain causes prolonged illness and has led to more hospitalizations than flu infections caused by other types of strains.
People whose immunity is weak are more likely to suffer from complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and seizures, where H3N2 can also be life-threatening in some cases.
ICMR data show that in the past three months, 10 per cent of SARI patients hospitalised with H3N2 complications needed oxygen and 7 per cent required ICU care.
H3N2 is a sub-type of the influenza A virus. Every year during seasonal changes, the temperature change causes flu viruses to rise and spread fast. Annually some subtypes spread more than others.
All flu viruses, including H3N2, spread through an infected individual when they cough, sneeze, or talk. They can also spread when uninfected people touch an object or surface contaminated by these viruses and then touch their nose or mouth.
People most at risk for H3N2 and other strains of flu are children below 5 years of age, ageing adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, kidney disease and heart disease. The main symptoms of flu infection are fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffed nose and headache & body aches. In H3N2 infection, the fever usually lasts for three days, but the cough can persist for 3 weeks.
Dr P.P. Giri, Consultant, ICH, says, “Children below 5 years of age at are at a high risk of Flu & its complications like pneumonia & hospitalisations. I advise all parents to talk to their Doctor about Flu vaccination. Flu Vaccination is well tolerated & is recommended as an annual Flu shot till the age of 5.”
“For people with reduced immunity such as ageing adults and those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart condition, asthma, and COPD, the flu infection may be more severe and lead to complications. I would advise all people to consult their doctor regarding 4-in-1 flu vaccination which can protect against H3N2 and 3 other sub-types of the flu virus.”, says Dr Sabyasachi Chowdhury, Chest Physician.
Various Health Authorities recommend seasonal flu vaccination for high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, pregnant women, people suffering from chronic diseases, older adults above 65 years of age and children between 6 months – 5 years of age. Other measures advised by doctors to prevent H3N2 flu and stop its spread are to wash hands frequently, use masks in crowded places and avoid contact with an infected person. (UNI)