The H3N2 virus is spreading rapidly across Delhi and nearby areas of NCR cities, where several people are suffering from common flu-like symptoms. A recent health report released by the Local Circles survey indicated that there has been a staggering increase in the H3N2 virus from 50-70 per cent of households, where at least one member fell sick with flu-like symptoms over the past few months in Delhi-NCR.&nbsp;&nbsp;Multiple hospitals and doctors are observing an increased in number of patients with this virus, particularly people with respiratory problems, children and the elderly. Reports also indicated that the main culprit for this significant jump is influenza, which is leading to prolonged fevers, hospitalisation and even respiratory issues among individuals.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a survey of 11,000 people across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad discovered that at least one family member in many households was either currently ill or had recently suffered from fever, cough, and fatigue. This reflects a sharp increase from March 2025, when only 54 per cent of families reported flu-like illnesses.<h3>What is the H3N2 virus?</h3>H3N2 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus, which is categorised by surface proteins (haemagglutinin "H" and neuraminidase "N") referring to type-3 H and type-2 N. H3N2 is a seasonal flu which circulates in humans, mutates over time, and it also differs in severity each year. It tends to cause more severe symptoms in high-risk populations, which include Children, Older adults, Pregnant women, People with weakened immune systems, and someone who are suffering from asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes.<h3>What are the symptoms of the H3N2 virus?</h3><ul><li>Fever (often above 38-39 Celsius)</li><li>Dry or wet cough</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Fatigue and muscle aches</li><li>Chills</li><li>Vomiting and loose motions (occasional)</li><li>In children, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea</li><li>Many patients in the current outbreak have reported fever lasting over 5–7 days, with cough persisting even after other signs subside.</li></ul><h3>What are risk related to H3N2 virus?</h3>The main risks of the H3N2 virus are severe illness, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and worsening of chronic conditions, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or lung disorders.<h3>How to prevent the spread of the H3N2 virus?</h3><ul><li>Get vaccinated every year</li><li>Use masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places</li><li>Maintain good hygiene</li><li>Support the immune system</li><li>Avoid close contact with sick people; if someone at home is ill, try to isolate them</li></ul>

As per the Local Circles survey report, there has been a staggering increase in the H3N2 virus from 50-70 per cent of households, where at least one member fell sick with flu-like symptoms over the past few months in Delhi-NCR. 

The H3N2 virus is spreading rapidly across Delhi and nearby areas of NCR cities, where several people are suffering from common flu-like symptoms. A recent health report released by the Local Circles survey indicated that there has been a staggering increase in the H3N2 virus from 50-70 per cent of households, where at least one member fell sick with flu-like symptoms over the past few months in Delhi-NCR. Multiple hospitals and doctors are observing an increased in number of patients with this virus, particularly people with respiratory problems, children and the elderly. Reports also indicated that the main culprit for this significant jump is influenza, which is leading to prolonged fevers, hospitalisation and even respiratory issues among individuals. In a survey of 11,000 people across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad discovered that at least one family member in many households was either currently ill or had recently suffered from fever, cough, and fatigue. This reflects a sharp increase from March 2025, when only 54 per cent of families reported flu-like illnesses. What is the H3N2 virus? H3N2 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus, which is categorised by surface proteins (haemagglutinin "H" and neuraminidase "N") referring to type-3 H and type-2 N. H3N2 is a seasonal flu which circulates in humans, mutates over time, and it also differs in severity each year. It tends to cause more severe symptoms in high-risk populations, which include Children, Older adults, Pregnant women, People with weakened immune systems, and someone who are suffering from asthma, COPD, cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. What are the symptoms of the H3N2 virus? Fever (often above 38-39 Celsius) Dry or wet cough Sore throat Fatigue and muscle aches Chills Vomiting and loose motions (occasional) In children, symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea Many patients in the current outbreak have reported fever lasting over 5–7 days, with cough persisting even after other signs subside. What are risk related to H3N2 virus? The main risks of the H3N2 virus are severe illness, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and worsening of chronic conditions, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and those with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or lung disorders. How to prevent the spread of the H3N2 virus? Get vaccinated every year Use masks in crowded or poorly ventilated places Maintain good hygiene Support the immune system Avoid close contact with sick people; if someone at home is ill, try to isolate them

As per the Local Circles survey report, there has been a staggering increase in the H3N2 virus from 50-70 per cent of households, where at least one member fell sick with flu-like symptoms over the past few months in Delhi-NCR.&nbsp;

What is H3N2 virus? Affected nearly 70% of Delhi-NCR. Know its symptoms, risks and treatment

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj&nbsp;on Friday (March 17) said that they have asked authorities to conduct early screening for the detection of cases of H3N2 influenza in the Indian capital. This comes after a number of states and cities across the country&nbsp;have been reporting a rise in the number of H3N2 influenza virus-related cases. Meanwhile, the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has also reported its first case of H3N2 influenza.&nbsp;

Delhi government issues an advisory

The Delhi health minister while addressing a press conference also said that they are issuing an advisory to keep a check on the spread of the virus but not many cases are being reported in the national capital. He&nbsp;noted,&nbsp;while the peak of seasonal influenza is over by March, a large number of cases continue to be reported in several parts of the country.&nbsp;

The Indian government has already issued a COVID-19 advisory for six states but Delhi is not on the list. “However, we are issuing an advisory to check the spread of influenza,” said the Delhi health minister. He also spoke about how instructions for “early screening to detect cases” have been issued to the authorities. He added, “There are not many cases in Delhi hospitals and we are closely monitoring the situation”.&nbsp;

“People who have had severe asthma or Covid are among those impacted the most by influenza. Extra precaution is needed for those aged above 65 and children below five years of age,” said Bharadwaj, as per PTI. The Delhi health minister also said that the city government has no plans to make masks mandatory but the focus is on precautionary measures like avoiding public places, washing hands, etc.&nbsp;

Madhya Pradesh reports its first H3N2 influenza case

The Indian state of Madhya Pradesh (MP) has detected its first case of H3N2 influenza&nbsp;where a young man aged between 20 to 25 years tested positive for the virus in the state capital Bhopal. Bhopal Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Prabhakar Tiwari told PTI, on Thursday that a resident of the Bairagarh area in Bhopal was tested on Wednesday and is asymptomatic now.&nbsp;

According to health department officials, he complained of a cough and cold, subsequently, his swab sample was sent for a lab test. However, even after he tested positive for the virus the patient was not admitted to any hospital and is currently recovering at home, reported PTI.&nbsp;

Maharashtra’s Pune reports two H3N2-related deaths

A 73-year-old man in Maharashtra’s city of Pune passed away on Thursday in a civic-run hospital in Pimpri-Chinchwad industrial town, said local health officials. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation said that the man was suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and atrial fibrillation (an irregular and rapid heart rhythm which can contribute to blood clots) and had also tested positive for the H3N2 virus.&nbsp;

Another suspected casualty was a 67-year-old man who died on March 11 at a private hospital in Shivajinagar. “The patient complained of fever, cold and cough. He had pneumonitis. The deceased had comorbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension,” said the PMC, on Wednesday.

“A total 352 patients are afflicted with the H3N2 virus so far. They are currently under treatment and all hospitals have been put on alert. H3N2 is not fatal. It can be cured through proper medical treatment. There is no need to panic,” said the Maharashtra Health minister Tanaji Sawant.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the state's&nbsp;Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday also held a review meeting of the health department at Mumbai’s Vidhan Bhavan to check the state’s preparedness amid reports of COVID-19 and H3N2 influenza cases. "If treated early, influenza can be cured. This should be known to everyone", said the CM and has also&nbsp;directed health officials to hold&nbsp;campaigns and make people aware of the&nbsp;viruses as well as&nbsp;ensure that they are following the necessary safety protocols

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday (March 17) said that they have asked authorities to conduct early screening for the detection of cases of H3N2 influenza in the Indian capital.

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Friday (March 17) said that they have asked authorities to conduct early screening for the detection of cases of H3N2 influenza in the Indian capital. This comes after a number of states and cities across the country have been reporting a rise in the number of H3N2 influenza virus-related cases. Meanwhile, the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has also reported its first case of H3N2 influenza. Delhi government issues an advisory The Delhi health minister while addressing a press conference also said that they are issuing an advisory to keep a check on the spread of the virus but not many cases are being reported in the national capital. He noted, while the peak of seasonal influenza is over by March, a large number of cases continue to be reported in several parts of the country. The Indian government has already issued a COVID-19 advisory for six states but Delhi is not on the list. “However, we are issuing an advisory to check the spread of influenza,” said the Delhi health minister. He also spoke about how instructions for “early screening to detect cases” have been issued to the authorities. He added, “There are not many cases in Delhi hospitals and we are closely monitoring the situation”. “People who have had severe asthma or Covid are among those impacted the most by influenza. Extra precaution is needed for those aged above 65 and children below five years of age,” said Bharadwaj, as per PTI. The Delhi health minister also said that the city government has no plans to make masks mandatory but the focus is on precautionary measures like avoiding public places, washing hands, etc. Madhya Pradesh reports its first H3N2 influenza case The Indian state of Madhya Pradesh (MP) has detected its first case of H3N2 influenza where a young man aged between 20 to 25 years tested positive for the virus in the state capital Bhopal. Bhopal Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Prabhakar Tiwari told PTI, on Thursday that a resident of the Bairagarh area in Bhopal was tested on Wednesday and is asymptomatic now. According to health department officials, he complained of a cough and cold, subsequently, his swab sample was sent for a lab test. However, even after he tested positive for the virus the patient was not admitted to any hospital and is currently recovering at home, reported PTI. Maharashtra’s Pune reports two H3N2-related deaths A 73-year-old man in Maharashtra’s city of Pune passed away on Thursday in a civic-run hospital in Pimpri-Chinchwad industrial town, said local health officials. The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation said that the man was suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and atrial fibrillation (an irregular and rapid heart rhythm which can contribute to blood clots) and had also tested positive for the H3N2 virus. Another suspected casualty was a 67-year-old man who died on March 11 at a private hospital in Shivajinagar. “The patient complained of fever, cold and cough. He had pneumonitis. The deceased had comorbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension,” said the PMC, on Wednesday. “A total 352 patients are afflicted with the H3N2 virus so far. They are currently under treatment and all hospitals have been put on alert. H3N2 is not fatal. It can be cured through proper medical treatment. There is no need to panic,” said the Maharashtra Health minister Tanaji Sawant. Meanwhile, the state's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday also held a review meeting of the health department at Mumbai’s Vidhan Bhavan to check the state’s preparedness amid reports of COVID-19 and H3N2 influenza cases. "If treated early, influenza can be cured. This should be known to everyone", said the CM and has also directed health officials to hold campaigns and make people aware of the viruses as well as ensure that they are following the necessary safety protocols (With inputs from agencies)

India: Delhi govt asks officials to conduct screening for H3N2 influenza; Madhya Pradesh reports first case

Over the past few weeks, India has been witnessing a rise in influenza cases. Flu cases in the country's national capital are also witnessing a spike. As per a PTI report, hospitals in New Delhi are witnessing a close to 150 per cent spike in cases of the H3N2 virus. Amid the spike, a fatality is being reported from the country's financial capital Mumbai. If verified, it will bring the nation's death toll due to&nbsp;the H3N2 virus to three.

As per doctors, the influenza virus triggers symptoms like fever, cold and body aches, and in some cases causes a persistent cough that can make patients extremely weak.&nbsp;According to a Zee News report, in India, two Influenza 'A' type strains are behind this rise in flu cases. H3N2 has emerged as the dominant subtype of flu, it is followed by H1N1.

Watch |&nbsp;India: Two die as H3N2 influenza cases rise

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The nation has already confirmed two deaths due to H3N2, and as per reports, there has been another death.&nbsp;

As per reports, the alleged third death is of a 23-year-old MBBS student. The man, a student at a private institution, is believed to have caught the virus while out with friends. Reportedly, his health deteriorated after coming back from a trip to Alibaug in Konkan. Post Mortem&nbsp;found traces of the H3N2 virus in his blood.&nbsp;However, the&nbsp;fatality is yet to be verified.&nbsp;

Earlier&nbsp;too, there were claims of another&nbsp;fatality. Reports claimed that the death happened in Vadodara,&nbsp;Gujarat.&nbsp;

Of the two previously verified deaths, one was reported from Haryana, the other from Karnataka.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-third-death-from-h3n2-in-indian-state-of-gujarat-571891">India reports third death from H3N2 flu, this time in Gujarat state</a>

Talking to PTI about the current strain, Dr Vikas Deswal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram said the influenza virus is the most prevalent virus that affects our respiratory system.

He explained that the virus is present in three different types: A, B, and C.

"Among these, subtype A is the most commonly found. One subtype of the influenza A virus is H3N2, which produces symptoms similar to other flu viruses such as cough, fever, cold, sore throat, fatigue, muscle pain, and respiratory complications, especially in children under two years, the elderly, and those with other medical conditions," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/h3n2-influenza-india-witnesses-two-virus-related-deaths-570665">H3N2 Influenza changing pattern unexpectedly: Experts warn more hospitalisations</a>

Deswal caution that the virus can mutate over time and that antibiotics are not effective in its treatment. He recommended that people should follow precautions such as "avoid touching surfaces, wash hands, follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, practice social distancing, wear masks, and avoid going out if experiencing viral symptoms."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Over the past few weeks, India has been witnessing a rise in influenza cases. Flu cases in the country's national capital are also witnessing a spike. As per a PTI report, hospitals in New Delhi are witnessing a close to 150 per cent spike in cases of the H3N2 virus.

Over the past few weeks, India has been witnessing a rise in influenza cases. Flu cases in the country's national capital are also witnessing a spike. As per a PTI report, hospitals in New Delhi are witnessing a close to 150 per cent spike in cases of the H3N2 virus. Amid the spike, a fatality is being reported from the country's financial capital Mumbai. If verified, it will bring the nation's death toll due to the H3N2 virus to three. As per doctors, the influenza virus triggers symptoms like fever, cold and body aches, and in some cases causes a persistent cough that can make patients extremely weak. According to a Zee News report, in India, two Influenza 'A' type strains are behind this rise in flu cases. H3N2 has emerged as the dominant subtype of flu, it is followed by H1N1. Watch | India: Two die as H3N2 influenza cases rise The nation has already confirmed two deaths due to H3N2, and as per reports, there has been another death. As per reports, the alleged third death is of a 23-year-old MBBS student. The man, a student at a private institution, is believed to have caught the virus while out with friends. Reportedly, his health deteriorated after coming back from a trip to Alibaug in Konkan. Post Mortem found traces of the H3N2 virus in his blood. However, the fatality is yet to be verified. Earlier too, there were claims of another fatality. Reports claimed that the death happened in Vadodara, Gujarat. Of the two previously verified deaths, one was reported from Haryana, the other from Karnataka. Also read | India reports third death from H3N2 flu, this time in Gujarat state Talking to PTI about the current strain, Dr Vikas Deswal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Medanta, Gurugram said the influenza virus is the most prevalent virus that affects our respiratory system. He explained that the virus is present in three different types: A, B, and C. "Among these, subtype A is the most commonly found. One subtype of the influenza A virus is H3N2, which produces symptoms similar to other flu viruses such as cough, fever, cold, sore throat, fatigue, muscle pain, and respiratory complications, especially in children under two years, the elderly, and those with other medical conditions," he said. Also read | H3N2 Influenza changing pattern unexpectedly: Experts warn more hospitalisations Deswal caution that the virus can mutate over time and that antibiotics are not effective in its treatment. He recommended that people should follow precautions such as "avoid touching surfaces, wash hands, follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, practice social distancing, wear masks, and avoid going out if experiencing viral symptoms." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Third person reportedly dies in Mumbai as H3N2 cases rise in India

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What is H3N2 virus? Affected nearly 70% of Delhi-NCR. Know its symptoms, risks and treatment

India: Delhi govt asks officials to conduct screening for H3N2 influenza; Madhya Pradesh reports first case

Third person reportedly dies in Mumbai as H3N2 cases rise in India