H3N2 Influenza Cases Surge in Kolkata — A surge in H3N2 influenza infections is being reported across Kolkata and nearby districts, triggering a citywide health advisory as hospitals report a growing number of patients complaining of persistent cough, congestion, fatigue, and cold symptoms. Doctors suggest the current wave of flu is being driven primarily by the H3N2 subtype, a strain of the influenza A virus known for causing longer, more debilitating respiratory illness compared to seasonal flu.
H3N2 Influenza Cases Surge in Kolkata: What is H3N2?
H3N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus that causes seasonal outbreaks and is particularly virulent during monsoon and winter months. It’s characterized by:
- High fever
- Prolonged dry or productive cough (often lasting up to 3–4 weeks)
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat and body ache
- Wheezing in older adults and children
“H3N2 is not new, but the current variant seems to be more persistent, with symptoms extending for up to a month in some cases,” explained Dr. Sutapa Bhaduri, a pulmonologist at Peerless Hospital.
Case Load Rising Across Kolkata
According to the West Bengal Health Department, outpatient clinics and private hospitals have seen a 40–50% rise in respiratory cases in the last three weeks. The worst affected are:
- Children under 12
- Elderly above 60
- Patients with asthma, COPD, or diabetes
Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, for instance, reported over 150 flu-like cases per day, with 60% testing positive for influenza A. Meanwhile, state-run ID Hospital has isolated five H3N2-confirmed cases in its infectious disease ward.
Voices from the Ground
Dr. Anirban Sen, an internal medicine consultant at Fortis, remarked:
“We are seeing prolonged illness patterns. Earlier, patients recovered within 5–7 days. Now it’s often taking 3 weeks or more, even with antivirals.”
Parents are especially worried. Rupa Chatterjee, whose 8-year-old son has missed school for 10 days, said:
“His fever went away in three days, but he’s still coughing and tired. He can’t eat well or sleep peacefully.”
H3N2 vs Common Cold: Key Differences
| Feature | Common Cold | H3N2 Influenza |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Rare | High (101–103°F) |
| Cough | Mild, resolves in 3–5 days | Persistent, dry or wet, lasts 2–4 weeks |
| Fatigue | Mild | Severe |
| Onset | Gradual | Sudden |
| Duration | 5–7 days | 10–28 days |
Medical Advisory & Testing
The ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) has recommended RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests in symptomatic patients, particularly those with co-morbidities.
Doctors are advised to:
- Avoid antibiotics unless there is secondary infection
- Use antivirals like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) only after confirmation
- Recommend hydration, steam inhalation, and antipyretics
“Antibiotic misuse during flu season only worsens antimicrobial resistance,” warned Dr. Nilanjana Ghosh, pharmacologist at NRS Medical College.
Public Health Challenges
- Overcrowded Clinics – Most government hospitals have seen a 30–50% spike in daily footfall.
- Delayed Diagnosis – Many patients self-medicate or assume it’s a “normal cough.”
- School Outbreaks – At least 12 schools in South Kolkata reported clusters of absenteeism.
- Workforce Disruption – Several private companies are noting higher sick leaves and productivity drops.
Citywide Impact Zones
| Locality | Symptoms Reported | School/Work Disruption |
|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake | Persistent cough, fever | 2 schools report cluster |
| Behala | Wheezing, congestion | 30% workforce sick leave |
| Garia | High absenteeism in coaching centers | Moderate |
| Dum Dum | Severe fatigue, vomiting in elderly | Hospitals report daily rush |
Medical Experts Urge Caution
Dr. Pradipta Chakraborty, Virologist:
“H3N2 is highly contagious through cough droplets, surface contact, and hand-to-face transmission. Masking, especially in indoor or AC spaces, remains critical.”
He added that unlike COVID-19, H3N2 rarely leads to oxygen deprivation or long-term damage, but its prolonged symptoms severely affect quality of life.
Public Misconceptions
Many confuse H3N2 with:
- COVID-19: But antigen and RT-PCR tests rule this out in most flu cases
- Tuberculosis: Due to the lingering cough, though chest X-rays and sputum culture clarify
- Allergy or Asthma: Wheezing is common, but response to bronchodilators helps differentiate
Vaccine Relevance
Doctors strongly recommend annual flu shots, particularly for:
- Senior citizens
- Healthcare workers
- School-going children
- Patients with chronic illness
However, vaccination rates in Bengal remain low — less than 7% of eligible residents are vaccinated annually for flu, according to the Health Department.
“We need to treat flu vaccination as seriously as COVID shots,” said Dr. Jayanta Saha of Medica Superspecialty Hospital.
Preventive Measures
The state’s Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) issued a circular urging citizens to:
- Wear masks in public or crowded places
- Maintain hand hygiene
- Stay home if symptomatic
- Disinfect shared surfaces and gadgets
- Cover mouth/nose while coughing or sneezing
School & Workplace Protocols
Some institutions are adopting flexible models:
- Online classes reintroduced temporarily in 3 ICSE schools
- Companies implementing WFH for sick staff
- HR departments asked to maintain contact tracing logs
External Links & Resources
- ICMR Guidelines on H3N2
- WHO Influenza Surveillance Updates
- West Bengal Health Bulletin
- CDC Guidelines on Influenza A
What Citizens Are Saying
- “It’s been two weeks and I still can’t stop coughing,” — Subham Dey, college student
- “My mother was fine but suddenly collapsed with fever and breathing trouble,” — Nandita Bose, Salt Lake
- “Flu shots should be free at ward clinics,” — Anjali Saha, schoolteacher
Timeline of H3N2 Outbreak in Kolkata
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 10 | First cluster of cases reported in Dum Dum |
| June 18 | State hospitals begin surge preparedness |
| July 1 | ICMR issues H3N2-specific circular |
| July 8 | 12 city schools report absenteeism due to flu |
| July 11 | Over 500 new H3N2-suspected cases citywide |
Conclusion
The rise of H3N2 in Kolkata is a reminder that viral threats don’t end with pandemics. While not as lethal as COVID-19, the H3N2 flu demands coordinated response, public awareness, and preventive care.
City health authorities urge citizens not to panic but to act responsibly — because fighting flu starts at home.
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