'Antibiotics Ineffective': Doctors Issue Warning As Delhi Sees Spike In H3N2 Cases

H3N2 Virus Spike: Doctors said that the number of patients visiting OPDs with such complaints has increased by nearly 150%.

New Delhi: As a result of a sudden uptick in ICU admissions, Delhi faced an increase in H3N2 influenza cases, said doctors, reported news agency PTI. The virus causes symptoms like a fever, a cold, and body aches, but in some cases, it leaves behind a persistent cough that makes patients extremely weak.

They stated that the number of patients visiting OPDs with such complaints has increased by nearly 150%.

Dr. Viny Kantroo, Consultant, Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine Consultant, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, elaborated on the potential causes of the increase, stating that the outbreak could have been sparked by a seasonal shift, a virus mutation, or the economy being fully open.

"Children are going to school and they are transmitting it to the elderly. A lot of cross-country travel is happening. In the last two years, Covid was the dominant virus and there were restrictions but with relaxation of norms and return of normalcy, these outbreaks are being observed," she opined, quoted PTI.

In the emergency block of the Delhi government's LNJP Hospital, a 20-bed isolation ward has been established for such patients.

A senior doctor stated that the patients will be monitored by a 15-member team. According to Dr. Rajiva Gupta, Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital in Gurugram and Delhi, there has been a rise in the number of ILI (influenza-like illness) cases in recent days.

"For instance, if we were seeing two to three patients in OPDs last month, this month there is one-and-a-half times rise. The symptoms are fever, discomfort, cold, body aches. In some cases, patients also experience abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, and even fullness in ears," he added.

When a patient has comorbidities, the senior doctor said, the treatment approach changes lightly and that family members are asked to monitor the patient's BP, pulse, oxygen saturation, and level of consciousness.

He emphasized, "If these levels fluctuate, the patient needs hospitalisation."

Dr. Vikas Deswal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram, spoke about the current strain and said that the influenza virus is the most common virus that affects our respiratory system and comes in three different types: A, B, and C. 

"Among these, subtype A is the most commonly found. One subtype of the influenza A virus is H3N2, which produces symptoms similar to other flu viruses such as cough, fever, cold, sore throat, fatigue, muscle pain, and respiratory complications, especially in children under two years, the elderly, and those with other medical conditions," he said.

According to the two doctors, in some instances, patients have been observed to have a persistent cough even after their fever has subsided.

"One of my patients said he was having persistent cough and could not attend meetings because of it. Patients also develop extreme weakness due to it," said Gupta. Deswal stated that because viruses change over time, it is essential to take precautions and advised against letting guard down at this time.

"Antibiotics are not effective in treating viral infections such as H3N2 and can be harmful, so people should avoid taking them, especially if they have H3N2. The virus spreads through droplets and direct contact, so it is recommended to follow precautions such as avoid touching surfaces, wash hands, follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, practice social distancing, wear masks, and avoid going out if experiencing viral symptoms. Additionally, it is important for people to get vaccinated against influenza every year," he said.