No need to panic, but precautions needed: Experts on rising H3N2 cases


As the influenza H3N2 cases have started to rise rapidly in the country after Covid cases dipped, experts are of the opinion that people need to be careful, but there is no need to panic if precautions are taken on time. Talking about the symptoms of the virus, Dr Anupam Sibal, a senior doctor of Delhi’s Apollo Hospital, told ANI that the symptoms are similar to Covid but are staying for longer periods of time. “From time to time, changes are seen in the virus. The symptoms of the influenza virus are appearing after corona, although its symptoms are almost similar to corona. The common symptoms are cough, cold and fever. But in this virus, it is seen that patients are having the symptom for a long time due to which it is spreading rapidly,” he said. He added, “In such a situation, it is necessary that the precautions, we were following during Corona, the habits we started, should be followed. Wearing a mask, and keeping hands clean. Along with this, if symptoms like cough, cold, or fever are seen in a person, then it is very important to avoid coming in contact with that person”. Pediatrician Dr Sibal, Apollo Hospital has emphasised that children should be taken special care of against the virus. “The parents should keep in mind that if they are sending children to school or for playing outside, they should make sure they are not suffering from cough and cold. There should be no symptoms like fever and if any child has such symptoms, then other children should not come in contact with him. Special focus should be laid towards cleanliness because, through cleanliness and good eating habits, you can stay away from this type of virus. Send children to school only wearing masks, and keep their hands clean,” he said. Neurologist Dr Aditya Bhati of Apollo Hospital believes that these types of viruses are also affecting people neurologically. “Although the virus affects all organs of a human being, but more effects are being seen on the brain