H3N2 strain suspected behind surge in viral fevers in Hyderabad

Doctors in Hyderabad revealed that 80 percent of current viral fevers are influenza cases, most likely H3N2 subtype. The illness is causing prolonged recovery of up to 10 days, with children, elderly and pregnant women at greater risk of complications

Hyderabad: While health authorities in Hyderabad are acknowledging the surge in viral fevers, they are not publicly addressing that the majority of these are influenza cases. This lack of transparency is concerning, since influenza is not as simple as treating a typical viral fever, as such infections always carry the risk of complications, especially among individuals with compromised immunity.

At present, 80 percent of the viral infections in Hyderabad are influenza cases, most likely of the H3N2 subtype. However, there has been no acknowledgement or advisory from the Health Department about the influenza situation, and no specific information on the influenza subtype circulating in the community.

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The H3N2 influenza A strain is known to cause severe and prolonged illness compared to the common flu, which has been the case in Hyderabad. A significant number of children are suffering from prolonged symptoms, taking seven to ten days to recover, unlike common flu cases where recovery happens in three to five days.

“Eighty percent of viral fever cases we are witnessing here is influenza. Many are recovering in three to five days but some are facing prolonged symptoms. Schools are ideal locations for the spread of influenza. The managements should avoid forcing sick children to come to school,” said senior paediatrician Dr Sivaranjini Santosh.

Patients are also experiencing high-grade fevers that are proving resistant to over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol. After recovery, patients are complaining of lingering weakness, fatigue and loss of appetite.

“Influenza is a specific kind of viral illness that needs better attention. With common flu, people can recover quickly in three to five days, but with influenza there is always a chance of complications, especially among children, pregnant women and elderly who live with co-morbid conditions,” doctors said.

• This year, 80 percent of viral fevers are influenza-related
• Could lead to complications like pneumonia and bronchitis, requiring hospitalisation
• Vulnerable populations such as elderly, children and pregnant women should be cautious
• Risk of co-infections of both viral (dengue/influenza) and bacterial, complicating treatment
• H3N2 influenza A virus is the dominant strain behind the surge of infections in India
• Some patients are experiencing prolonged recovery of seven to ten days