H3N2 scare: Medical staff told to compulsorily wear masks, get influenza shots

BENGALURU: All medical staff have been directed to compulsorily wear masks with effect from Monday and to take influenza vaccines in the light of H3N2 virus infection being detected in the state.

Addressing media persons after chairing a meeting with medical experts, Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar cases of H3N2 infection are rising across the country, but added that there is no cause for alarm. The infection is contagious, but treatment is only as outpatients. There have been no deaths and all patients have recovered. Detailed guidelines will be issue later, he added.

Documents show the H3N2 incidents in January and February; (right) Officials at the meeting.

“Of late, the use of masks has reduced and even medical staff are not using masks. From Monday, they will be required to compulsorily wear masks and have been directed to take influenza shots”, he said. Those working in ICUs in all the districts will be provided vaccines by the government, he added.

The minister said those aged below 15 and above 60 may be more susceptible and there are chances that pregnant women may also get infected. Hence, it is necessary to be cautious and focus on hygiene, he noted. The face should be covered while coughing or sneezing and people should wash their hands regularly and antibiotics should be avioided, he advised.

Medical experts and officials at the meeting.

Noting that those who had got Covid-19 earlier would experience sustained period of coughing if they catch the H3N2 virus, he said testing will be done on the lines of Covid-19 and the rates will be fixed, he added.

The minister also said that the temperatures had risen in February itself and people are suffering due to the heat wave. He advised people not to step out in the Sun between 11 am and 3 pm unnecessarily and suggested that liquids like water, buttermilk and tender coconut water should be consumed to keep hydrated.

Health Commissioner Randeep, speaking to Public TV, said, “Influenza A occurs in two sub-types — the old H1N1 and the new H3N2 variant. As per the analysis over the last three months, about 20 cases of H1N1 and 26 cases of H3N2 have been detected. Surveillance testing is being done at Vanivilas Hospital and Victoria Hospital. This is not very dangerous and all patients have been treated in the OPD”.

Health Commissioner Randeep too advised theat people should remain cautious.

“So far, the symptoms do not seem to last for more than three weeks. The highest number of complaints are of sore throat persisting for long. But nowhere have there been instances of oxygen saturation level dropping, or ICU admissions have been report. But we have to remain careful and people should taken precautionary measures”, the commissioner said.

He also said that there has been no increase in any of the districts. The commissioner said those working in the health care sector should wear masks as they are exposed to patients, and take vaccination. People should use masks at congregations, meetings, etc. Tests will be through swabs and people should hydrate themselves. Those with any symptoms should not consume antibiotics without doctor’s advise, he added.