Influenza A subtype H3N2: A persistent cough, sometimes accompanied by fever, has been spreading across India for the past two to three months, according to ICMR experts.

According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) scientists who monitor respiratory virus illnesses through the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories network, the H3N2, which has been widely circulated for the past two to three months, causes more hospitalisations than other subtypes.

They have also recommended a list of Dos and Don’ts for people to follow in order to avoid contracting the virus.

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The fever goes away at the end of three days but the cough can persist for up to three weeks, the IMA’s Standing Committee for Anti-Microbial Resistance said.

Viral cases have also surged due to air pollution, it said, adding that it mostly occurs in people aged below 15 and above 50 and causes upper respiratory infections along with fever.

People develop fever as a result of air pollution, which also contributes to upper respiratory infections. Other symptoms that are frequently reported include:

• Cough
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Bodyache
• Diarrhea

The following are the ICMR’s dos and don’ts for protecting yourself and others from this infection Influenza A:

Dos:

Wash your hands with soap and water on a regular basis.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, keep the following in mind:

Wear face masks and stay away from crowded places.
Keep your hands away from your nose and mouth.
When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth completely.
Drink plenty of fluids and stay hydrated.
Take paracetamol if you have a fever and a headache.

Don’ts:

Shake hands or use other physical greetings.
In public, spit.
Self-medicate. Antibiotics and other medications should be taken only after consulting with a doctor.
Eat while sitting near others.

Fever cases on rise – Avoid Antibiotics pic.twitter.com/WYvXX70iho

— Indian Medical Association (@IMAIndiaOrg) March 3, 2023

Influenza A subtype causing cough, fever, ICMR experts say

The Indian Medical Association (IMA), on the other hand, has warned against indiscriminate antibiotic use in the face of rising cough, cold, and nausea cases across the country.

In addition, the association requested that doctors only prescribe symptomatic treatment and not antibiotics.

“People are starting to take antibiotics like Azithromycin and Amoxiclav without thinking about how long they should take them or how frequently they should take them. This must be stopped because it contributes to antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics will not work because of resistance whenever they are actually used “The IMA issued a statement.

Amoxicillin, Norfloxacin, Oprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, and Levofloxacin are the most commonly misused antibiotics. It stated that these are used to treat diarrhoea and UTI.

“Resistance has already developed due to the widespread use of Azithromycin and Ivermectin during Covid. Before prescribing antibiotics, it is necessary to determine whether the infection is bacterial or not “It stated.