Dangerous strain of H3N2 ‘super flu’ reached Pakistan from Britain, how much danger does it pose to India?

The rapidly spreading superflu in Britain has increased the concern of health agencies. Now H3N2 super flu has reached Pakistan. After this, concern has started increasing in India too whether this virus can spread here also. Regarding this, health experts say that this danger cannot be completely denied, but it is necessary to be cautious about it at the moment. In such a situation, let us tell you today how much danger India can face due to H3N2 super flu reaching Pakistan from Britain.

What is H3N2 super flu?

According to the World Health Organization, this virus is a changed form of influenza A, which is being called subclade K. It is being called super flu because some genetic changes have been seen in it. WHO says that this is not a new virus, nor does the data so far show that it causes more serious disease than before. But its special thing is that it is spreading rapidly even before the normal flu season.

Why is concern increasing in Britain and Pakistan?

In the recent past, a sudden increase in the cases of this flu has been seen in Britain. The number of patients admitted to the hospital there is said to be much higher than last year. According to statistics, the number of patients admitted to hospitals due to flu has increased by more than 50 percent. At the same time, maximum infection has been seen in children of 5 to 14 years and youth of 15 to 24 years. In view of the situation, Britain’s National Health Service has appealed to the elderly, children and people at high risk to get the flu vaccine soon. After Europe, H3N2 super flu strain has been confirmed in Pakistan also. Health experts say that there is a need to be cautious regarding this. In Pakistan, this virus can be more dangerous for people with weak immunity, children and the elderly. Regarding this, experts have also warned that if the flu later turns into pneumonia, then the patients may even need a ventilator.

Considered a threat in India also

Weather, wind direction and movement of people remain largely similar between India and Pakistan. Apart from this, fog, pollution, crowding in winter, mutual contact of children in schools and travel create a favorable environment for the spread of the virus. Experts believe that if the virus is spreading in the neighboring country, then there may be a possibility of its cases appearing in India. Apart from this, cases of H3N2 flu have already been seen in India. Therefore, India’s health system is not completely unaware of this virus. Flu surveillance system exists in the country, hospitals have testing facilities and doctors are able to identify its symptoms. However, a big concern is that the rate of getting flu vaccine in India is very low, especially among the elderly and high risk groups. Apart from this, according to experts, people above 60 years of age, patients suffering from diabetes, heart and lung disease and people with weak immunity need to be more careful.