H2n3 influenza virus

While people were slowly going ‘off-masks’, thinking Covid is almost over, they are now witnessing a new virus in the block – Influenza A-H3N2 – whose symptoms seem somewhat similar to corona virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), A-H3N2 is a subtype of influenza A viruses, that circulate and cause seasonal epidemics. Dr Sushila Kataria, Senior Director, Internal Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram says, "The symptoms for A-H3N2 include headache, fever, muscle pain, cough, sneezing, cold, body chills and fatigue. In the last one month, there has been an increase in the number of flu cases. This is usually the case in spring season. This time, the cases are the same, but the fever severity is a bit more and the cough is more intense. The cough is severe because of swelling on vocal cords and laryngitis (an inflammation of the voice box from overuse, irritation or infection).” Further, the WHO says that the effects of seasonal influenza epidemics in developing countries are not fully known, but research estimates that 99 per cent of deaths in children under five years of age with influenza-related lower respiratory tract infections are found in developing countries. All age groups can be affected due to this virus, but pregnant women, children under 59 months of age, elderly, and people with chronic diseases are likely to get more infected due to this virus. “There definitely has been an increase in cases. All age groups are getting influenza, including children. I...