Health and Me

Ishita Roy

A Strain Of Typically Harmless HPV Caused 40 Skin Cancer Lesions In A 34-Year-Old Woman

In a breakthrough that has the potential to reshape how we understand some forms of <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/skin-cancer">skin cancer</a></span>, doctors at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) have identified a strain of <span>human papillomavirus</span> (<span>HPV</span>), commonly found on the skin, as the direct cause of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a woman with a rare immune disorder.

The findings, published in the <em>New England Journal of Medicine </em>this week, challenge long-held assumptions about the role of HPV in skin <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a></span> and spotlight the risks faced by immunocompromised individuals.

The discovery came during treatment of a 34-year-old woman, who was suffering from a rare genetic condition that severely weakened her immune system. 

Over time, she developed more than 40 skin cancer lesions across her face, hands, and legs, all diagnosed as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer after melanoma.

Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and immunotherapy, her cancer kept returning. 

That’s when a team of doctors, led by Dr. Andrea Lisco from NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, decided to dig deeper. What they found was shocking: her tumors were being driven by beta HPVs, a group of viruses typically seen as harmless.

“The virus replicated in a somewhat uncontrolled manner and ended up integrating into the skin cells,” said Dr. Lisco. “Once they did that, they became cancerous.”

Until now, HPV’s link to skin cancer was considered indirect at best. Scientists believed the virus might weaken skin cells or make them more vulnerable to UV damage, but not directly cause cancer.

This case flips that understanding on its head.

Unlike alpha HPVs, which are known to cause cervical, anal, and throat cancers and are targeted by the Gardasil vaccine, beta HPVs live on the skin and usually stay dormant. In healthy people, they don’t integrate into DNA or cause illness.

But in this woman’s case, a weakened immune system, specifically impaired T-cells, allowed the virus to behave aggressively and hijack her skin cells’ DNA, turning them malignant.

<h4>A Life-Saving Treatment and New Insights</h4>

With her immune system unable to fight the virus, doctors decided a stem cell transplant to replace her malfunctioning immune cells. Three years after the procedure, she remains cancer-free.

“This case gives us valuable insight into how the immune system interacts with HPV,” said Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, who was not involved in the study. “What’s novel is that it’s the first time beta HPV has been directly linked to human skin cancer.”

Dr. Lisco noted that while the finding is important, it doesn’t suggest that everyone with beta HPV is at risk. “We shake hands and we pick up those viruses,” he said. “But if our immune systems are intact, we’re fine.”

<h4>A Warning for the Immunocompromised</h4>

Doctors emphasize that this case highlights a very specific risk, one that primarily applies to people with compromised immune systems, including those with HIV, organ transplants, long-term immunosuppressive medications, or rare genetic conditions.

“Immunocompromised people are up to 100 times more likely to develop this type of skin cancer,” said Dr. Rossi. “HPV can integrate and disrupt the cell cycle more easily in these individuals.”

Dr. Anthony Oro, professor of dermatology at Stanford Medicine, added, “It suggests that beta HPVs could contribute to cancers in patients where the immune defense, especially T-cells, is impaired.”

While Gardasil protects against nine strains of alpha HPV, it’s unclear whether it offers any protection against beta strains.

“There is some theory that cross-protection may exist,” said Dr. Rossi, “but we need more research to know for sure.”

Studies in mice had long hinted at a potential link between beta HPV and cancer, but this is the first human case to show such a direct cause-and-effect relationship.

Experts say the general population is not at risk from beta HPV-related skin cancer, at least not based on current evidence. Most skin cancers are still caused by sun exposure, and the best prevention is still protecting your skin.

Use sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.

Wear protective clothing when outdoors, especially during peak sun hours.

Get regular skin checks, particularly if you’re immunocompromised or have a history of skin cancer.

Consult your doctor about HPV vaccines and whether they may benefit you.

“This case serves as a reminder,” said Dr. Oro, “that even viruses we thought were harmless can become dangerous in the wrong context. And that context is often an immune system not doing its job.”

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In a breakthrough that has the potential to reshape how we understand some forms of skin cancer, doctors at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) have identified a strain of human papillomavirus (HPV), commonly found on the skin, as the direct cause of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in a woman with a rare immune disorder.The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine this week, challenge long-held assumptions about the role of HPV in skin cancer and spotlight the risks faced by immunocompromised individuals.A Case That Changed EverythingThe discovery came during treatment of a 34-year-old woman, who was suffering from a rare genetic condition that severely weakened her immune system. Over time, she developed more than 40 skin cancer lesions across her face, hands, and legs, all diagnosed as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, the second most common form of skin cancer after melanoma.Despite undergoing multiple surgeries and immunotherapy, her cancer kept returning. That’s when a team of doctors, led by Dr. Andrea Lisco from NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, decided to dig deeper. What they found was shocking: her tumors were being driven by beta HPVs, a group of viruses typically seen as harmless.“The virus replicated in a somewhat uncontrolled manner and ended up integrating into the skin cells,” said Dr. Lisco. “Once they did that, they became cancerous.”HPV’s Role in Skin CancerUntil now, HPV’s link to skin cancer was considered indirect at best. Scientists believed the virus might weaken skin cells or make them more vulnerable to UV damage, but not directly cause cancer.This case flips that understanding on its head.Unlike alpha HPVs, which are known to cause cervical, anal, and throat cancers and are targeted by the Gardasil vaccine, beta HPVs live on the skin and usually stay dormant. In healthy people, they don’t integrate into DNA or cause illness.But in this woman’s case, a weakened immune system, specifically impaired T-cells, allowed the virus to behave aggressively and hijack her skin cells’ DNA, turning them malignant.A Life-Saving Treatment and New InsightsWith her immune system unable to fight the virus, doctors decided a stem cell transplant to replace her malfunctioning immune cells. Three years after the procedure, she remains cancer-free.“This case gives us valuable insight into how the immune system interacts with HPV,” said Dr. Anthony Rossi, a dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, who was not involved in the study. “What’s novel is that it’s the first time beta HPV has been directly linked to human skin cancer.”Dr. Lisco noted that while the finding is important, it doesn’t suggest that everyone with beta HPV is at risk. “We shake hands and we pick up those viruses,” he said. “But if our immune systems are intact, we’re fine.”A Warning for the ImmunocompromisedDoctors emphasize that this case highlights a very specific risk, one that primarily applies to people with compromised immune systems, including those with HIV, organ transplants, long-term immunosuppressive medications, or rare genetic conditions.“Immunocompromised people are up to 100 times more likely to develop this type of skin cancer,” said Dr. Rossi. “HPV can integrate and disrupt the cell cycle more easily in these individuals.”Dr. Anthony Oro, professor of dermatology at Stanford Medicine, added, “It suggests that beta HPVs could contribute to cancers in patients where the immune defense, especially T-cells, is impaired.”Does the HPV Vaccine Help?While Gardasil protects against nine strains of alpha HPV, it’s unclear whether it offers any protection against beta strains.“There is some theory that cross-protection may exist,” said Dr. Rossi, “but we need more research to know for sure.”Studies in mice had long hinted at a potential link between beta HPV and cancer, but this is the first human case to show such a direct cause-and-effect relationship.What This Means for YouExperts say the general population is not at risk from beta HPV-related skin cancer, at least not based on current evidence. Most skin cancers are still caused by sun exposure, and the best prevention is still protecting your skin.Here’s what you can do:Use sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days.Wear protective clothing when outdoors, especially during peak sun hours.Get regular skin checks, particularly if you’re immunocompromised or have a history of skin cancer.Consult your doctor about HPV vaccines and whether they may benefit you.“This case serves as a reminder,” said Dr. Oro, “that even viruses we thought were harmless can become dangerous in the wrong context. And that context is often an immune system not doing its job.”

a strain of typically harmless hpv caused 40 skin cancer lesions in a 34-year-old woman

Aarushi Bhadury

H3N2 Flu On The Rise In Delhi: Symptoms And Precautions You Must Know

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The <span>UK Health Security Agency</span> (UKHSA) is urging British tourists to take one simple step to prevent their autumn holiday from being "ruined" by illness. Amid a potential rise in infections this year, the agency is advising travelers to make sure they are protected against <span>measles</span> before heading abroad. 

Measles is a very contagious illness that can make you feel quite sick. It's caused by a virus and can be serious, sometimes leading to dangerous problems like brain swelling or pneumonia. The best way to protect yourself and others is to get the measles vaccine. The first signs of measles can feel like a bad cold or flu. You might have: 

<ul><li>High fever</li><li>A cough</li><li>Runny nose</li><li>Red or watery eyes</li><li>Tirednes</li><li>Sore throat and muscle pain</li></ul>

<h2>Are Measles Cases Rising Globally? </h2>

Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause a fever, a cough, red eyes, and a rash. It can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. The <span>World Health Organization</span> (WHO) reports that measles cases in Europe have reached a 25-year high, with over 127,000 cases reported last year. More than half of these cases required hospitalization, and there were 38 recorded deaths. 

The UKHSA issued a message on social media platform X, stating, "Planning an autumn or winter getaway? Don't let measles ruin your holiday. Two doses of the #MMR vaccine give you full protection, and you can catch up at your GP practice if you've missed any." 

<h2>Why Vaccination Is Key For Measles</h2>

Getting vaccinated against measles is a critical step in staying healthy. Measles isn't just a simple rash; it's a serious illness that can lead to severe, life-threatening problems like pneumonia (a lung infection), meningitis (brain inflammation), and even blindness. 

The good news is that the MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, as well as mumps and rubella. In the UK, all children are offered this vaccine, and two doses can give you protection for life. If you're not sure if you or your child has had the vaccine, you can contact your local doctor's office (GP surgery), which can provide it for free. Health experts emphasize that when more people are vaccinated, it protects everyone, especially those who can't get the vaccine themselves. 

<h2><span rel="noindex">What Measles Looks Like</span>: <span rel="noindex">How To Identify Measles</span>? </h2>

According to Center of Disease Control and Prevention, a measles rash is a key sign of the illness, and it has a very specific pattern. It usually begins as flat, red spots on your face near the hairline. Over the next few days, it will spread downwards to cover your neck, body, arms, and legs. 

<strong>Facial Rash: </strong>The rash often appears as small, red, raised spots on the forehead and cheeks. It might look different depending on a person's skin tone. as small, red, raised spots. It can look different on various skin tones.

<strong>Body Rash: </strong>The rash won't stay on your face; it will spread across your entire body.

<strong>Other Symptoms: </strong>The rash is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, and a cough. 

<strong>Healing: </strong>As you start to recover, the rash will fade, and your skin may begin to peel or flake off. 

<strong>Koplik spots: </strong>One of the earliest signs of measles is tiny white spots with a bluish center that show up inside the mouth. These are called Koplik spots and often appear a few days before the main rash.

British Tourists and measles

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UK Health Security Agency

measles

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measles symptoms

is measles deadly

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging British tourists to take one simple step to prevent their autumn holiday from being "ruined" by illness. Amid a potential rise in infections this year, the agency is advising travelers to make sure they are protected against measles before heading abroad. What is Measles? Measles is a very contagious illness that can make you feel quite sick. It's caused by a virus and can be serious, sometimes leading to dangerous problems like brain swelling or pneumonia. The best way to protect yourself and others is to get the measles vaccine. The first signs of measles can feel like a bad cold or flu. You might have: High feverA coughRunny noseRed or watery eyesTirednesSore throat and muscle painAre Measles Cases Rising Globally? Measles is a highly contagious illness that can cause a fever, a cough, red eyes, and a rash. It can be prevented with the MMR vaccine. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that measles cases in Europe have reached a 25-year high, with over 127,000 cases reported last year. More than half of these cases required hospitalization, and there were 38 recorded deaths. The UKHSA issued a message on social media platform X, stating, "Planning an autumn or winter getaway? Don't let measles ruin your holiday. Two doses of the #MMR vaccine give you full protection, and you can catch up at your GP practice if you've missed any." Why Vaccination Is Key For MeaslesGetting vaccinated against measles is a critical step in staying healthy. Measles isn't just a simple rash; it's a serious illness that can lead to severe, life-threatening problems like pneumonia (a lung infection), meningitis (brain inflammation), and even blindness. The good news is that the MMR vaccine is highly effective at preventing measles, as well as mumps and rubella. In the UK, all children are offered this vaccine, and two doses can give you protection for life. If you're not sure if you or your child has had the vaccine, you can contact your local doctor's office (GP surgery), which can provide it for free. Health experts emphasize that when more people are vaccinated, it protects everyone, especially those who can't get the vaccine themselves. What Measles Looks Like: How To Identify Measles? According to Center of Disease Control and Prevention, a measles rash is a key sign of the illness, and it has a very specific pattern. It usually begins as flat, red spots on your face near the hairline. Over the next few days, it will spread downwards to cover your neck, body, arms, and legs. Facial Rash: The rash often appears as small, red, raised spots on the forehead and cheeks. It might look different depending on a person's skin tone. as small, red, raised spots. It can look different on various skin tones.Body Rash: The rash won't stay on your face; it will spread across your entire body.Other Symptoms: The rash is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, and a cough. Healing: As you start to recover, the rash will fade, and your skin may begin to peel or flake off. Koplik spots: One of the earliest signs of measles is tiny white spots with a bluish center that show up inside the mouth. These are called Koplik spots and often appear a few days before the main rash.

british tourists urged to take this step before travelling as measles cases soar: how to identify it

‘Smoking Helped Me Lose Weight’—But It May Be Raising Your Type 2 Diabetes Risk

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If you smoke or around people who smoke, you may have heard them exclaim how <span>smoking</span> makes them lose appetite and helps them lose weight. If you are a person who struggles with weight gain, this logic may appeal to you, however, it could affect you in a completely different way than you realize. <span>Type 2 diabetes</span> is more common than you may realize, more than 38 million Americans have <span>diabetes</span> and 90% to 95% of them have type 2 diabetes (CDC data). 

One of the best ways to contain type 2 diabetes is by losing weight. If you think that smoking could be a way to lose this weight, you may want to re-think that. 

New research suggests that smoking increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, regardless of the specific subtype a person might have. This study, which combines data from Sweden, Norway, and Finland, also found that people with a genetic risk for diabetes are even more vulnerable to the negative effects of smoking.

<h2>What Are The Sub-Types of Type 2 Diabetes? </h2>

Type 2 diabetes is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Researchers have proposed that it can be broken down into four distinct subtypes, each with different characteristics and health risks. 

<ul><li>SIRD (Severe Insulin-Resistant Diabetes): The body's cells do not respond well to insulin.</li><li>SIDD (Severe Insulin-Deficient Diabetes): The body does not produce enough insulin.</li><li>MOD (Mild Obesity-Related Diabetes): Linked to obesity, often starting at a younger age.</li><li>MARD (Mild Age-Related Diabetes): Develops later in life.</li></ul>While the severity and complications differ among these subtypes, it was previously unclear if they shared the same risk factors. 

<h2>How <span rel="noindex">Does Smoking Affect Diabetes</span>? </h2>

The study, which analyzed data from over 3,300 people with type 2 diabetes and almost 3,900 healthy individuals, found a strong connection between smoking and all four diabetes subtypes. 

<h2>Increased Risk for All Subtypes </h2>

People who had ever smoked (current and past smokers) were at a higher risk of developing any of the four diabetes subtypes compared to non-smokers. 

<h2>What <span rel="noindex">Diabetes Was Linked To Smoking</span>? </h2>

The connection was particularly strong for SIRD, the type of diabetes where the body resists insulin. Smokers were more than twice as likely (2.15 times) to develop SIRD than non-smokers. Smoking was also responsible for over a third of all SIRD cases in the study. 

<strong><span rel="noindex">Heavy Smoking Increases Risk Further</span>: </strong>Heavy smokers (those who smoked at least 20 cigarettes a day for 15 years) had an even higher risk for all four subtypes, with the risk for SIRD being 2.35 times higher than for non-smokers. 

<strong>Smokeless Tobacco: </strong>The study also found a link between heavy use of snus (a smokeless tobacco product) and an increased risk of the more severe diabetes subtypes (SIRD and SIDD) in men. 

<h2>Could Your Genetics Put You At Higher Risk of Diabetes? </h2>

The research also explored how smoking affects people who are already at a high genetic risk for diabetes. The findings showed that heavy smokers with a genetic predisposition for poor insulin production were particularly vulnerable. For example, a heavy smoker with a high genetic risk for impaired insulin secretion was over three times more likely (3.52-fold) to develop SIRD compared to a person without these risk factors. 

The study's overall conclusion is clear: smoking raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of which subtype a person is prone to developing.

heavy smoking increases risk further

Smoking and diabetes

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Does Smoking Affect Diabetes

Diabetes Was Linked To Smoking

Smoking

If you smoke or around people who smoke, you may have heard them exclaim how smoking makes them lose appetite and helps them lose weight. If you are a person who struggles with weight gain, this logic may appeal to you, however, it could affect you in a completely different way than you realize. Type 2 diabetes is more common than you may realize, more than 38 million Americans have diabetes and 90% to 95% of them have type 2 diabetes (CDC data). One of the best ways to contain type 2 diabetes is by losing weight. If you think that smoking could be a way to lose this weight, you may want to re-think that. New research suggests that smoking increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, regardless of the specific subtype a person might have. This study, which combines data from Sweden, Norway, and Finland, also found that people with a genetic risk for diabetes are even more vulnerable to the negative effects of smoking. What Are The Sub-Types of Type 2 Diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Researchers have proposed that it can be broken down into four distinct subtypes, each with different characteristics and health risks. SIRD (Severe Insulin-Resistant Diabetes): The body's cells do not respond well to insulin.SIDD (Severe Insulin-Deficient Diabetes): The body does not produce enough insulin.MOD (Mild Obesity-Related Diabetes): Linked to obesity, often starting at a younger age.MARD (Mild Age-Related Diabetes): Develops later in life.While the severity and complications differ among these subtypes, it was previously unclear if they shared the same risk factors. How Does Smoking Affect Diabetes? The study, which analyzed data from over 3,300 people with type 2 diabetes and almost 3,900 healthy individuals, found a strong connection between smoking and all four diabetes subtypes. Increased Risk for All Subtypes People who had ever smoked (current and past smokers) were at a higher risk of developing any of the four diabetes subtypes compared to non-smokers. What Diabetes Was Linked To Smoking? The connection was particularly strong for SIRD, the type of diabetes where the body resists insulin. Smokers were more than twice as likely (2.15 times) to develop SIRD than non-smokers. Smoking was also responsible for over a third of all SIRD cases in the study. Heavy Smoking Increases Risk Further: Heavy smokers (those who smoked at least 20 cigarettes a day for 15 years) had an even higher risk for all four subtypes, with the risk for SIRD being 2.35 times higher than for non-smokers. Smokeless Tobacco: The study also found a link between heavy use of snus (a smokeless tobacco product) and an increased risk of the more severe diabetes subtypes (SIRD and SIDD) in men. Could Your Genetics Put You At Higher Risk of Diabetes? The research also explored how smoking affects people who are already at a high genetic risk for diabetes. The findings showed that heavy smokers with a genetic predisposition for poor insulin production were particularly vulnerable. For example, a heavy smoker with a high genetic risk for impaired insulin secretion was over three times more likely (3.52-fold) to develop SIRD compared to a person without these risk factors. The study's overall conclusion is clear: smoking raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, regardless of which subtype a person is prone to developing.

‘smoking helped me lose weight’—but it may be raising your type 2 diabetes risk

H3N2 SYMPTOMS

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If you are in Delhi-NCR and have recently been coughing, sneezing, or running a fever, you are not alone. A recent LocalCircles survey shows that 69 per cent of households in the region currently have one or more members experiencing Covid, flu, or <span>viral</span> fever-like symptoms.

The report, titled “Viral illnesses soar in Delhi NCR as 69% households surveyed confirm one or more members experiencing symptoms,” highlights a sharp increase from 54 per cent in March 2025 to 69 per cent now. Here’s a closer look at the H3N2 virus, its symptoms, and the precautions you should take.

<h2>What Is the H3N2 Virus?</h2>H3N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it causes seasonal flu outbreaks and mutates frequently, which makes it more challenging to manage than other flu strains.

The virus spreads rapidly through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or even talking. It can also spread when a person touches contaminated surfaces and then touches their face. H3N2 can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that in these groups, H3N2 can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and hospitalization.

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Symptoms of H3N2 Virus to Watch ForAccording to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), H3N2 has been the predominant strain causing the recent surge in flu cases across India. Data from hospital admissions for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) indicates that 50% of these patients tested positive for H3N2.

Common symptoms include:<ul><li>Sudden high fever (often above 38–39°C) with chills</li><li>Persistent cough and sore throat</li><li>Severe fatigue, weakness, and body aches</li><li>Headache and nasal congestion</li><li>In children: nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea</li></ul>Many patients report fever lasting more than 5–7 days, with cough persisting even after other symptoms subside.

ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/west-nile-virus-isnt-over-yet-new-cases-in-us-on-rise-article-152802695" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">West Nile Virus Isn't Over Yet, New Cases In US On Rise</a>

<h3>Precautions Against H3N2 Virus</h3>Prevention is key, and National Institute of Health recommend the following measures:

<ul><li>Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds</li><li>Wear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areas</li><li>Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; dispose of tissues immediately</li><li>Avoid close contact with sick individuals; isolate infected household members if possible</li><li>Keep living spaces well-ventilated</li><li>Maintain good nutrition, hydration, and adequate rest</li><li>Consider the seasonal influenza vaccine, which often protects against H3N2 strains—especially important for children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses</li></ul><h2>H3N2 in the United States</h2>The 2017–18 flu season in the U.S. was particularly severe, with the CDC estimating that 41 million people experienced flu symptoms, including 52,000 deaths. However, as of now, no significant H3N2 cases are being reported in the U.S.

The WHO continues to stress that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza, particularly for high-risk groups and their caregivers.

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is h3n2 dangerous

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If you are in Delhi-NCR and have recently been coughing, sneezing, or running a fever, you are not alone. A recent LocalCircles survey shows that 69 per cent of households in the region currently have one or more members experiencing Covid, flu, or viral fever-like symptoms.The report, titled “Viral illnesses soar in Delhi NCR as 69% households surveyed confirm one or more members experiencing symptoms,” highlights a sharp increase from 54 per cent in March 2025 to 69 per cent now. Here’s a closer look at the H3N2 virus, its symptoms, and the precautions you should take.What Is the H3N2 Virus?H3N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it causes seasonal flu outbreaks and mutates frequently, which makes it more challenging to manage than other flu strains.The virus spreads rapidly through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or even talking. It can also spread when a person touches contaminated surfaces and then touches their face. H3N2 can be particularly dangerous for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that in these groups, H3N2 can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and hospitalization.ALSO READ: Global Warming Is Driving a Surge in Dengue Cases, Study WarnsSymptoms of H3N2 Virus to Watch ForAccording to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), H3N2 has been the predominant strain causing the recent surge in flu cases across India. Data from hospital admissions for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) indicates that 50% of these patients tested positive for H3N2.Common symptoms include:Sudden high fever (often above 38–39°C) with chillsPersistent cough and sore throatSevere fatigue, weakness, and body achesHeadache and nasal congestionIn children: nausea, vomiting, or diarrheaMany patients report fever lasting more than 5–7 days, with cough persisting even after other symptoms subside.ALSO READ: West Nile Virus Isn't Over Yet, New Cases In US On RisePrecautions Against H3N2 VirusPrevention is key, and National Institute of Health recommend the following measures:Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 secondsWear masks in crowded or poorly ventilated areasCover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; dispose of tissues immediatelyAvoid close contact with sick individuals; isolate infected household members if possibleKeep living spaces well-ventilatedMaintain good nutrition, hydration, and adequate restConsider the seasonal influenza vaccine, which often protects against H3N2 strains—especially important for children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnessesH3N2 in the United StatesThe 2017–18 flu season in the U.S. was particularly severe, with the CDC estimating that 41 million people experienced flu symptoms, including 52,000 deaths. However, as of now, no significant H3N2 cases are being reported in the U.S.The WHO continues to stress that vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza, particularly for high-risk groups and their caregivers.

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