First H3N2 virus case reported in Assam
Guwahati: Assam reported its first case of the H3N2 virus on Wednesday amid an uptick in cases across the nation, according to the state chapter of the National Health Mission (NHM).
This is the first H3N2 virus case detected in the state from the data gathered between January 1 and March 15, according to a press release from NHM Assam.
The state health department said, “District surveillance officers under the IDSP network are fully geared to meet this public health challenge in every district of Assam in line with the guidelines formulated by the central government and ICMR.”
However, several reports stated that the positive case was found on February 16. Abhijeet Sharma, the superintendent of Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), verified the matter to the media and stated that the sample originated from a private hospital and not GMCH.
He said that these viruses are all genotypes and people need not worry as it has not taken a turn for the worse yet.
Symptoms
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has advised medical professionals across the nation to refrain from giving antibiotics to patients who have the H3N2 virus. The IMA recommended treating them symptomatically.
According to experts, H3N2 virus acute symptoms only last three days, but persistent issues like coughing need at least two weeks to go away. H3N2 symptoms can include fever, coughing, tiredness, headaches, musculoskeletal pains, sore throats, and nasal congestion, according to the National Center for Disease Control.
Do’s and Don’ts for Infection prevention and Control:
Do’s:
1. Wash hands with soap and water frequently.
2. If you are feeling symptomatic, wear masks and avoid crowded places.
3. Cover mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing
4. Take paracetamol for fever and body ache as per health workers advice.
Don’ts:
1. Don’t touch eyes and nose as far as practicable.
2. Don’t shake hands or use other contact greetings.
3. Don’t spit in public.
4. Don’t take antibiotics or other medicines without consulting a doctor.