ICU admissions spike amid increasing H3N2 virus cases in Delhi

New Delhi : The H3N2 influenza cases in Delhi are witnessing a spike due to which ICU admissions have also increased in the national capital. The large number of admissions are being seen in people with comorbities and older than 75 years of age. Meanwhile, the doctors have asked people to go back to the mask days and where it in the public areas.

"Number of cases for H3N2 viral pneumonia are increasing in old age people and for that reason people are advised to wear mask in the public places and adhere to the COVID guidelines like avoiding social gatherings and contact of people with respiratory viral infections," a doctor was quoted saying in a media report.

So far, India has reported 2 deaths due to seasonal influenza subtype H3N2 - one in Karnataka and one in Haryana. Apart from Delhi, the cases are also being reported in major cities like Pune, Prayagraj, Kolkata. The cases of ICU admissions in some of these cities have also been increased.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has also alerted states to closely monitor the situation amid the rising number of cases. According to an update from the Health Ministry of India, old age people with comorbidities and children are more vulnerable to the virus.

The Indian Council of Medical Research, ICMR has also issued an advisory urging people to wash hands with soap and water. If symptomatic. They have also advised people to wear mask and avoid crowded places.

The ICMR has also asked people to take plenty of fluids, avoide touching eyes and nose, and take paracetamol for fever and body ache.

In case of emergency, people are advised to consult a doctor and not start self medication.