The Centre has issued a statement saying that it is keeping a close watch on the H3N2 subtype of seasonal influenza after an 87-year-old man from Karnataka became India’s first victim of the virus. The Union health ministry is monitoring the situation in various states/UTs through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network on a real-time basis. Karnataka and Haryana have confirmed one death each from H3N2 influenza.
H3N2 influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that circulate in all parts of the world. India witnesses two peaks of seasonal influenza every year, one from January to March and the other in the post-monsoon season.
The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network of labs undertakes near real-time surveillance of cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) presenting in OPDs and IPDs of health facilities.
According to the latest data, a total of 3038 laboratory-confirmed cases of various subtypes of Influenza including H3N2 have been reported till 9th March 2023 by the States. This includes 1,245 cases in January, 1,307 in February, and 486 cases in March (till 9th March).
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has established an integrated surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) for the detection of human influenza virus and SARS-COV-2 virus. The surveillance network is comprised of 27 DHR-ICMR’s Virus Research & Diagnostic Laboratories and country’s National Influenza Centre (WHO-NIC) housed at ICMR-National Institute of Virology Pune.
Preventive Measures for H3N2 Influenza: ICMR Advisory, Do’s and Don’ts, and Recommended Drugs
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued an advisory on the H3N2 subtype of seasonal influenza that is being strictly monitored by the Centre. Influenza A subtype H3N2 is the major cause of the current respiratory illness, and the ICMR has established pan respiratory virus surveillance across 30 Virus Research & Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDts).
According to the ICMR, the surveillance data from 15th December till date reflects the rise in the number of cases of Influenza A H3N2. About half of all inpatient severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and outpatient influenza-like illness were found to have Influenza A H3N2.
To prevent the spread of H3N2 subtype of seasonal influenza, the following do’s and don’ts should be followed:
Do’s:
- Wash hands with soap and water frequently
- Wear masks and avoid crowded places
- Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing
- Take plenty of fluids
- Avoid touching eyes and nose
- Take Paracetamol for fever and body aches if symptomatic
Don’ts:
- Shake hands or use other contact greetings
- Take antibiotics or other medicine without consulting a doctor
- Spit in public
- Eat together sitting close to others
The drug recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for H3N2 influenza is Oseltamivir, which is made available through the Public Health System free of cost. The government has allowed the sale of Oseltamivir under Schedule H1 of the Drug and Cosmetic Act for wider accessibility and availability.
It is important to take necessary precautions and follow the do’s and don’ts to prevent the spread of H3N2 influenza. In case of any symptoms, individuals should seek medical attention and follow the advice of their healthcare provider.
In conclusion, it is important to stay vigilant and follow the guidelines issued by the Centre in case of symptoms of influenza-like illness. The government is monitoring the situation closely, and it is recommended to seek medical attention in case of any symptoms. The availability of Oseltamivir under Schedule H1 of Drug and Cosmetic Act is a positive step towards wider accessibility and availability of the drug.
