New Delhi ∙ For the first time, deaths due to influenza caused by the H3N2 virus have been reported in the country. The Union Health Ministry said one death each in the states of Haryana and Karnataka. So far 90 people have been infected with H3N2 virus in India. There were 8 cases of H1N1 virus infection.
H3N2 virus also known as ‘Hong Kong Flu’ is increasing in the country. H3N2 and H1N1 have symptoms similar to Covid. It is worrying that the flu is spreading when the world is free from the threat of Covid. Health experts say that when the temperature starts to rise in late March or early April, infection by this subtype may decrease.
The H3N2 virus shows more symptoms than other influenza viruses, said Dr. The national media reported quoting Satish Kaul. The doctor added that this is not a new strain and it was this virus that caused a massive outbreak in Hong Kong in 1968.
English Summary: India’s 1st H3N2 Influenza Deaths, 1 Each In Haryana, Karnataka: Sources