India in midst of a nasty H3N2 outbreak — worst of seasonal flu viruses

India has reported at least 5 deaths this season, associated with H3N2 — a subtype of the influenza virus. The state of Maharashtra reported 2 deaths, while Gujarat, Karnataka and Haryana reported one death each.
So, why is it a concern for India?
H3N2 is a strain responsible for one of the three respiratory pandemics in the past century. Often described as the ‘problem child of seasonal flu’, the H3N2 outbreak is characterised by a more severe illness lasting longer. Belonging to the flu category, the virus has the capability to cause damage to the lungs with a fever. However, H3N2 isn’t exactly a novel virus. In 2018, it wreaked havoc in the United States. This year, it is India’s turn. India has recorded almost 600 influenza cases, of which 451 of them have been classified as H3N2. 361 cases of influenza infections were reported in the state of Maharashtra while Puducherry reported 79 influenza cases according to the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Of the hospitalised patients, 6% had clinical signs of pneumonia, 7% went on to develop severe diseases requiring attention by Intensive Care Units and 10% needed supplemental oxygen, according to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data. As the spread of the virus has gained momentum, several state governments have begun initiating mitigation measures
The Puducherry government announced that all schools up to class 8 will remain closed from 16 March (Thursday) to 26 March (Sunday) in the union territory. The first detection of H3N2 dates back to 1968 from Hong Kong, when the virus jumped into humans, resulting in more than a million deaths worldwide. We are yet to fully understand why an H3N2 infection is so debilitating. This coupled with its fast-mutating characteristic makes developing vaccines not just essential but also tricky.

[ketan]

Why does my state has to be a frontrunner in respiratory epidemics/ pandemic....😫

[TurbulantSynider]

Anyone with poor lungs from previous corona have to prepare before hand 🙏🏻👍🏻

[kiltroniknick]

No of cases is WRONG, at least in our village there must be 200+ cases in punjab, the real cases must be in LAKHS.

[shyamchabra]

Remember what happened last time? Be prepared. The state can't do anything for you. Get supplies in case you need them.

[SuperVinod]

GOI shud take steps & people shud be cautious..

[TurbulantSynider]

Better not to venture outside and maintain hygiene and good amount of distance.👍🏻

[gautammali]

yeh sab YouTube pe he chal raha hey baki bhar key duniya main sub kuch thik hai

[shakikopare]

Jab tak doctor aur sarkari karmchari ke payment band nahi kiye jayenge tab tak ye aate hi rahenge. Garib ka kya hal hota hai usi ka socho. Corona ne garib ko kitna barbad kiya.