According to governmental sources, India has recorded two H3N2 influenza-related deaths in the states of Karnataka and Haryana. Additionally, 8 H1N1 cases and 90 cases of H3N2 infections have been registered in India so far. The official sources revealed that these two strains of influenza viruses are the most common strains currently circulating among the Indian populace.

Days before the deaths in Karnataka, the health minister, Mr. K. Sudhakar, advised that people should not panic in the face of an outbreak of the influenza A H3N2 virus there. Also, he stated that soon precautionary measures would be made public and that an order would be issued requiring all hospital staff members to wear face masks at all times. On Monday, Mr. Sudhakar revealed that 26 people tested positive for the H3N2 variant in the state, out of which two cases were reported from Bengaluru. In addition, he noted that the H3N2 variation can infect people older than 60 years of age and that children under the age of 15 are most at risk from it.

Experts are alarmed by the unexpected rise in COVID and H3N2 cases across the nation. Dr. Randeep Guleria, chairman of the Institute of Internal Medicine, Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, and Director of Medical Education, stated that the H3N2 virus mutates every year during this time and spreads through droplets.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), H3N2 infection symptoms are similar to those of seasonal flu viruses and can include fever, respiratory symptoms like cough and runny nose, and possibly extra symptoms including body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Lastly, the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) recently issued an advisory asking people to avoid self-medication with antibiotics during this influenza outbreak. 

(Source: https://www.news18.com/india/h3n2-influenza-india-sees-2-deaths-in-karnataka-haryana-due-to-virus-says-report-7259299.html )