What’s happening
- Around 69% of households in Delhi-NCR currently report at least one person with viral symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat etc. India Today+2www.ndtv.com+2
- Earlier in the year (March 2025), about 54% of households reported similar illness. So this is a clear increase. The New Indian Express+2www.ndtv.com+2
- The dominant virus subtype is Influenza A – H3N2. www.ndtv.com+2India Today+2
- Compared to usual seasonal flu, doctors are seeing more severe symptoms: longer lasting fever, coughs that linger even after other symptoms improve, reduced effectiveness of over-the-counter medicines, more hospitalisations—especially among children, elderly, those with chronic illness. The New Indian Express+2www.ndtv.com+2
Symptoms to watch for
These are the common signs, plus warning flags that mean you should see a doctor.
| Symptom | Details |
|---|---|
| Sudden high fever (38-39 °C or more) | Fevers lasting more than 5-7 days are concerning. Health and Me+2www.ndtv.com+2 |
| Persistent cough, sore throat, nasal congestion | May last beyond the fever period. www.ndtv.com+2The Times of India+2 |
| Body aches, severe fatigue, headache | These are quite common. Health and Me+2Moneycontrol+2 |
| In children: possible nausea, vomiting, sometimes diarrhoea | Less common, but reported. India Today+2www.ndtv.com+2 |
| Warning signs: trouble breathing, chest pain, bluish lips or face, confusion, inability to keep fluids down | These need urgent medical attention. www.ndtv.com+1 |
Who is most at risk
- Children (especially very young) The New Indian Express+1
- Elderly people India Today+1
- Pregnant women Health and Me+2Gulf News+2
- People with chronic illnesses: asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes etc. India Today+2The New Indian Express+2
- Immunocompromised individuals Health and Me+1
Prevention & Care Tips
Here are practical steps (both at home and in public) to reduce risk of infection and manage it if someone gets sick.
- Hygiene & distancing
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water (20 seconds or more). Health and Me+1
- Use hand sanitizer when outside or after touching shared surfaces.
- Avoid touching your face (eyes, nose, mouth) unnecessarily. Moneycontrol+1
- Cover coughs/sneezes with tissue or elbow, not hands. Dispose tissues safely. The Times of India+1
- Masks & ventilation
- Wear masks in crowded or poorly-ventilated areas. Moneycontrol+2The Times of India+2
- Keep your living spaces well ventilated (open windows, use fans). Health and Me+1
- Isolation when sick
- If someone in the house is ill, isolate them as much as possible — separate room, separate utensils, bedding, towels etc. www.ndtv.com+1
- Regular cleaning/disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces (door knobs, remotes etc). www.ndtv.com+1
- Support the immune system
- Stay well hydrated.
- Proper rest.
- Nutritious diet — include sufficient proteins, vitamins (especially Vitamin C, D), minerals.
- Avoid dehydration, and maintain general physical health.
- Vaccination
- Seasonal flu vaccine often includes protection against H3N2 strains. If you are in a risk group (elderly, chronic illness etc.), getting vaccinated is especially important. The Times of India+1
- When to see a doctor / treatment
- If fever persists beyond ~3-4 days (or worsens). www.ndtv.com+2Gulf News+2
- If breathing difficulty arises, chest pain, bluish lips, etc. www.ndtv.com+1
- Early antiviral treatment can help, especially if started early (often within 48 hours of symptom onset). Gulf News+1
- Avoid self-medicating with antibiotics (they don’t work against viruses) unless there’s a secondary bacterial infection and a doctor prescribes them. India Today+1
- Public health / community steps
- Stay informed about advisories from health authorities.
- Avoid large gatherings when cases are rising.
- Employers and institutions (schools etc.) should ensure good ventilation, mask use and encourage sick people to stay home.
Final Advice from Dr. Chithra S
The H3N2 flu is spreading quickly in Bangalore, but with timely vaccination, hygiene practices, and medical care, we can reduce complications.
👉 Get your flu vaccine today and protect your family.
📞 Contact us now at 9052161616 or 8550001600 for vaccination and consultation.
FAQs
Q1. Is the flu vaccine effective against H3N2?
Yes, the seasonal flu vaccine covers H3N2 and is highly recommended.
Q2. How long does recovery take?
Most people recover in 7–10 days, but cough and fatigue may linger longer.
Q3. Should children and elderly definitely get vaccinated?
Absolutely. These are the most at-risk groups and must be prioritized for vaccination.