Bhubaneswar: With 59 cases of H3N2 influenza detected in Odisha, the state government has advised citizens to maintain personal hygiene and said people suffering from cold and cough should undergo COVID-19 test and stay in isolation.
Surveillance conducted by ICMR at 30 centres showed that the predominant virus causing cold and cough at present is H3N2, which is a subtype of Influenza A virus, Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra said.
Most of the illnesses are mild and self limiting and the state government has stressed on handwashing, personal hygiene and avoiding crowded places. These are the key measures to be followed like during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.
Stating that there is no specific treatment for H3N2 influenza and people get cured in a week, Mishra said people must, therefore, take preventive measures and maintain personal hygiene.
However, people with comorbid conditions, elderly persons, heart patients and infants may show severs symptoms, he said, adding that if the patients should consult doctor and get admitted to hospitals if they do not recover in a week.
Since the virus spreads through droplets, people suffering from cold and cough must use mask and stay in isolation as a precautionary step. They should also undergo Covid-19 test as a precautionary measure, he said.
However, there is no need to panic and people should take precautions.
Stating that the symptoms include fever, cough, cold, throat pain and headache, he said severe cases could be dangerous, particularly for people with comorbidities and low immunity.
The H3N2 virus is a subtype of Influenza A. Infected persons have high fever, severe headache, body pain, sore throat, severe cough, cold and congestion in the lungs.
Mishra said district authoriteis have been advised to step up ILI (influenza-like illness) and SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) surveillance at health facility level and community level.
District Integrated Disease Surveillance Project units are in readiness and constantly monitoring the situation, while labs are kept in readiness to handle any surge in cases.
He said it is a common flu virus found in children and the elderly from December to March. Influenza virus is a common seasonal virus which caused fever, cough and running nose.
