H3N2 Outbreak

Important for

Prelims: Science and Technology

Mains:
General Studies III

What is in the News ?
  • Across India, an outbreak of a respiratory illness — with symptoms of cold, sore throat and fever accompanied by fatigue — has been observed since late December 2022 and early January 2023.
  • On March 4, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirmed that Influenza Sub-type H3N2 has been causing this illness. 
  • In the first nine weeks of 2023, cases of H3N2 have been rising, according to ICMR data. 
  • Since December 15, this virus has been the dominating one circulating.  
H3N2 Virus
  • There are four types of seasonal influenza viruses, types A, B, C and D.
  • H3N2 virus is a type of influenza virus called the influenza A virus. It is a respiratory viral infection that causes illnesses every year. 
  • This subtype of influenza A virus was discovered in 1968 in humans.
  • The virus derives from types of protein strains of the influenza A virus – hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA).
  • HA has over 18 different subtypes, each numbered H1 to H18 while NA has 11 different subtypes, each numbered N1 to N11. The H3N2 is a combination of the two protein strains of the influenza A virus.
  • The symptoms of the H3N2 virus include cough, runny nose or congested nose, sore throat, headaches, body aches, fever, chills, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting and breathlessness.
  • Treatment : Regular over-the-counter medications for fever, cough or headaches can be consumed to relieve the symptoms. Annual flu shots for the influenza virus should be administered and taken around this time.

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H3N2 Outbreak
H3N2 Outbreak
H3N2 Outbreak
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