The rapidly spreading H3N2 super flu in Britain has raised concerns among health agencies. The H3N2 super flu has now reached Pakistan, increasing concerns about the possibility of its spread to India. Health experts say that this threat cannot be completely ignored, and caution is necessary. So, today we will discuss the extent of the threat posed to India by the H3N2 super flu that has spread from Britain to Pakistan.
What is the H3N2 super flu?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this virus is a mutated form of Influenza A, which is being called a sub-clade. It is being called a super flu because some genetic changes have been observed in it. The WHO says that this is not a new virus, nor do the current statistics indicate that it causes a more severe illness than before. However, its distinguishing feature is that it is spreading rapidly even before the usual flu season.
Why are concerns rising in Britain and Pakistan?
In recent days, there has been a sudden increase in cases of this flu in Britain. The number of patients being hospitalized there is significantly higher than last year. According to the data, there has been an increase of more than 50 percent in the number of patients hospitalized due to the flu. The highest number of infections has been observed in children aged 5 to 14 years and young people aged 15 to 24 years. Given the situation, the UK’s National Health Service has appealed to the elderly, children, and high-risk individuals to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible. After Europe, the H3N2 super flu strain has also been confirmed in Pakistan. Health experts say that caution is needed. In Pakistan, this virus can be more dangerous for people with weak immunity, children, and the elderly. Experts have also warned that if the flu develops into pneumonia, patients may require ventilators.
This threat is also being acknowledged in India
India and Pakistan share similar weather patterns, wind directions, and patterns of human movement. Furthermore, the winter season, with its fog, pollution, crowded places, close contact among children in schools, and increased travel, creates a favorable environment for the spread of the virus. Experts believe that if the virus is spreading in the neighboring country, it is likely that cases will also appear in India. Moreover, India has previously experienced cases of H3N2 influenza. Therefore, the Indian healthcare system is not entirely unfamiliar with this virus. The country has a flu surveillance system in place, testing facilities are available in hospitals, and doctors are capable of identifying the symptoms. However, the low rate of flu vaccination in India is a major concern, especially among the elderly and those in high-risk groups. Experts also advise that people over 60 years of age, those with diabetes, heart and lung diseases, and those with weakened immune systems need to exercise extra caution.
