H3N2 Flu in Delhi-NCR: Symptoms, prevention and recovery tips from doctors

A spike in H3N2 infections in Delhi-NCR brings flu season back with a vengeance. Here’s what to watch for, how to protect yourself, and when to see a doctor (Image: Pexels)

Delhi-NCR is experiencing a particularly severe flu season this year with H3N2, a subtype of Influenza A, at the source of the recent surge of cases. While many people will recover without serious complications, some symptoms are lingering longer than usual, and some groups are still at higher risk, according to health experts.

What is H3N2?

H3N2 is a strain of influenza A virus identified by two different surface proteins, haemagglutinin 3 and neuraminidase 2. It mutates over time, like other flu viruses, which can sometimes escalate outbreaks.

Who Does It Affect Most

The at-risk groups for H3N2 includes young children, senior citizens (those 65 and older), pregnant women, and people suffering from long-term chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or asthma

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What Signs to Look Out For

Early detection is crucial for quicker resolution of the condition. H3N2 symptoms often appear suddenly and can include:

• chills and a high fever
• Extreme exhaustion, aches throughout the body, and a sore throat
• Chronic headache and dry cough
• congestion and runniness of the nose
• Gastrointestinal symptoms can occasionally occur, particularly in children (diarrhoea, nausea).
• Many people recover in 5–7 days, but in some cases, persistent coughing, fatigue, or weakness can prolong recovery for 10 days or longer.

While many of the cases can be handled with home remedies, be at a look out for these signs and seek medical guidance immediately

• High fever that doesn't go away with regular medication
• Breathing difficulties, chest pain, or a constriction in the chest
• Dizziness or confusion
• Any pre-existing illness, such as heart disease or asthma, that is getting worse
• When symptoms suddenly get better, and then abruptly get worse.

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How to Prevent H3N2 Spread

Preventive actions are simple but powerful:

• Get the seasonal flu vaccine — especially if you belong to a high-risk group.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water; carry hand sanitizer when you can’t.
• Wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
• Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
• Keep rooms well ventilated.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Stay home if you or someone in your household has flu-like symptoms.

If you or a loved one are sick with H3N2:

• Rest as much as possible.
• Stay well-hydrated — water, broths, warm fluids help soothe throats.
• Use over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and relieve aches.
• Gargle with salt water for sore throat relief.
• Monitor symptoms closely; if things worsen (e.g. breathing issues or chest pain), don’t delay medical attention.

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FAQs about H3N2

Q: What is H3N2?
A: H3N2 is a strain of influenza A virus identified by two different surface proteins: haemagglutinin 3 and neuraminidase 2. It mutates over time, like other flu viruses, which can sometimes escalate outbreaks.

Q: Who is most at risk from H3N2?
A: At-risk groups include young children, senior citizens (those 65 and older), pregnant women, and people with long-term chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, or asthma.

Q: What are the common symptoms of H3N2?
A: Symptoms include chills and high fever, extreme exhaustion, body aches, sore throat, chronic headache, dry cough, congestion, runny nose, and occasionally gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea and nausea, especially in children.

Q: When should I see a doctor?
A: Seek medical guidance if you experience high fever that doesn't subside with regular medication, breathing difficulties, chest pain, dizziness, confusion, worsening of pre-existing conditions, or if symptoms improve and then suddenly worsen.

Q: How can I prevent the spread of H3N2?
A: Preventive measures include getting the seasonal flu vaccine, frequent hand washing, wearing masks in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, covering your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, keeping rooms well-ventilated, avoiding close contact with sick people, and staying home if you have flu-like symptoms.

Q: What should I do if I get sick with H3N2?
A: Rest as much as possible, stay hydrated, use over-the-counter medications to reduce fever and relieve aches, gargle with salt water for sore throat relief, and monitor symptoms closely. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.