H3N2 Flu

Context: 

India has recorded deaths of two people due to H3N2 seasonal influenza, which has been infecting more people since mid-December. 

Image Source: The Hindu

About H3N2:

• Influenza viruses, which cause the infectious disease known as flu, are of four different types: A, B, C and D. 
• Influenza A is further classified into different subtypes and one of them is H3N2. 
• Symptoms: H3N2 are similar to those of other types of flu, including fever, cough, breathlessness, wheezing, and pneumonia. 
• Transmission: It is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

• Vulnerable Group: Individuals below the age of 15 years or above 50 years of age. 
  • Children and those with co-morbidities like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions are at a higher risk.

• Prevention: 

• • Self-hygiene, Washing hands before eating or touching your face, nose or mouth, carrying pocket sanitiser, and avoiding people already infected with the virus.

News Source: The Hindu

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