Vijay Laxmi Rai
Senior Correspondent
Are you experiencing persistent fever, cough, cold, headaches, and breathlessness? Before you start panicking, know that these symptoms may not be related to the seasonal flu. According to the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), the cause of most of these cases is H3N2 Influenza Virus. Let’s dive deeper into this topic and learn more about it.
Symptoms of H3N2 Influenza Virus
The infection caused by H3N2 influenza virus usually lasts for about five to seven days. Although the fever subsides in three days, the cough can persist for up to three weeks. In some cases, the symptoms may also include sore throat, muscle aches, and fatigue.
Prevention of H3N2 Influenza Virus
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk of contracting H3N2 influenza virus:
- Get a flu vaccine annually
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing or coughing
- Stay home from school or work when sick
Treatment of H3N2 Influenza Virus
If you are experiencing the symptoms of H3N2 influenza virus, seek medical attention immediately. The treatment includes rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and relieve pain. Antiviral medications like oseltamivir and zanamivir may also be prescribed by a doctor for people with severe symptoms or those who are at high risk of complications.
Misuse of Antibiotics and Its Consequences
It’s common for people to start taking antibiotics like Azithromycin and Amoxiclav without proper consultation and care. This leads to antibiotic resistance, which means that antibiotics lose their effectiveness when used in the future. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) advises doctors to avoid giving antibiotics and focus on symptomatic treatment. It’s important to note that antibiotics like Amoxicillin, Norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, and Levofloxacin are the most misused ones. These medicines are commonly used for the treatment of diarrhea and Urinary Tract Infection (URI).
What to Avoid?
Steam and ghar ka Kadha can be beneficial for throat and respiratory relaxation, but avoid drinking or eating cold food items as they can make the symptoms worse.
H3N2 influenza virus is a serious infection that should not be taken lightly. By following preventive measures and seeking proper medical care, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from this illness.
Don’t let the symptoms get the best of you – take care of your health and stay safe!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.
