H3N2 influenza is becoming more prevalent, particularly among children under 5 years old, and it is crucial to vaccinate them to avoid severe illness and hospitalization. Children under the age of 2 and those with certain medical conditions are at an increased risk of being hospitalized due to influenza. The common symptoms of H3N2 influenza include colds, coughing, fever, a runny or blocked nose, a sore throat, breathing difficulties, diarrhea, headaches, vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, and weakness, among others. It is taking 2-3 weeks for the symptoms to subside in many recent cases of H3N2 influenza, which can be particularly problematic for children. Pneumonia and other life-threatening complications may develop in severe cases.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there has been a recent surge in cases of fever and respiratory infections throughout the country, primarily caused by the H3N2 strain of Influenza A virus. Influenza is a highly contagious acute febrile respiratory infection that causes high fever, chills, body aches, headaches, sore throat, rhinitis, and productive cough. Most people recover within 7 days without complications, but some may experience persistent fever lasting 5 to 7 days, difficulty breathing (pneumonia), or abnormal body movements (seizures). Currently, the H3N2 strain accounts for nearly half of all inpatient respiratory admissions for infections. Dr. Abhishek Chopra, a Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in New Delhi (Punjabi Bagh), advises that individuals are contagious from 1 day prior to the onset of symptoms until 7 days afterward.
Influenza can occur at any time of the year, but it typically has distinct peaks during specific seasons in most geographical regions. The increased prevalence of influenza during the winter months is largely due to factors such as the impact of humidity and temperature on the virus’s survival, as well as the tendency for people to gather in close quarters indoors. In India, there are two main peaks in influenza cases: a major peak during the winter months (January to April) and a minor peak during the post-monsoon season (August to October).
To prevent H3N2 influenza, there are several tips individuals can follow, including:
- Frequently washing hands with soap and water
- Wearing masks and avoiding crowded places
- Refraining from touching the nose and eyes, and covering the mouth and nose while sneezing
- Avoiding physical contact and refraining from spitting or participating in social interaction if infected
- Only taking antibiotics under a doctor’s prescription and taking paracetamol for fever.
The most effective way to prevent influenza transmission is through vaccination.
Children under the age of 5, particularly those under the age of 2 and those with certain medical conditions, are at a higher risk of hospitalization due to influenza. It is important to prioritize the annual influenza vaccine for high-risk and vulnerable children, as well as their household contacts and caregivers.
Vaccination for Children under 5
If you are concerned about taking your child, especially those under 5 years of age, to the hospital or public places, consider using home vaccination services.
Who should receive the vaccine?
The influenza vaccine for children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years, as well as high-risk children who are 5 years old with chronic cardiac, pulmonary (excluding asthma), hematologic, renal, liver conditions, or congenital or acquired immuno-deficiencies. The number of vaccine doses required varies based on the child’s age at the first administration of the vaccine and their influenza vaccination history.
Although there is some good news that influenza cases are expected to decrease with the arrival of summer, it is important to continue taking precautions as it remains our best defense against this seasonal disease.
