Following the recent rise in cases of H3N2 influenza, people — especially those with diabetes — have been asked to take some extra precautions. Recently, a person with diabetes in Karnataka passed away due to complications of the disease, which is a variant of the influenza virus. To contain the spread of the infection, experts have recommended keeping sugar levels under check and avoiding crowded places.
According to an Indian government press release, there were 7,041 admitted cases of severe acute respiratory illness in January, 6,919 in February and 1,866 until March 9, 2023 in the country. This includes 3,038 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza subtypes, including the H3N2 variant.
However, experts point out that so far, the H3N2 influenza virus is causing symptoms similar to H1N1 influenza and is not a cause of worry. Infected people mostly recover in a week with timely medical intervention, they say.
Flu complications: who is at higher risk?
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children younger than five years, people 65 years and older, pregnant women, and people with certain long-term health conditions (like asthma and other lung diseases, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions) are at higher risk of serious flu complications.
However, people with uncontrolled diabetes are more prone to contracting the infection since their immunity is compromised.
“People with diabetes are more prone to any infections, including H3N2 influenza, especially those who have uncontrolled diabetes,” says Dr Subrata Das, senior consultant, internal medicine and diabetology, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru. “Antivirals are usually not required in these influenza cases, except in some.”
Dr Adarsh KS, consultant, diabetes & endocrinology, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru, adds that people with diabetes are also at a higher risk if they have other complications such as heart and lung problems. “They are at higher risk for having more severe manifestations of influenza infection and also for secondary bacterial infections,” he says.
H3N2 influenza symptoms
The symptoms of H3N2 influenza include:
- Fever that persists for three to four days (where fever is usually very high on the first two days).
- Cough that can last for two to four weeks.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
- Body ache.
- Tiredness or fatigue that can last for a week.
Experts recommend that people with diabetes should keep their blood glucose levels under control.
“People with diabetes are advised to get their sugars well controlled, maintain good hygiene practices, wear masks in crowded places and take annual influenza vaccination after consulting their endocrinologist,” says Dr Adarsh. The vaccine should be taken when they do not have any symptoms, Dr Das adds.
Dr Das says people with uncontrolled diabetes, if infected with H3N2 influenza virus, can develop complications such as pneumonia, viral meningitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes), infections of lungs and other organs. They may require longer hospitalisations too in case their oxygen levels drop below normal.
Takeaways
- People with uncontrolled diabetes are more prone to developing H3N2 influenza.
- Symptoms include fever, body pain, cough and tiredness that can last for a week.
- Experts say that the rising cases of H3N2 influenza are not a cause of concern yet, but recommend people, especially those with diabetes, to take the annual flu vaccine on doctor’s advice.
- People with diabetes should also avoid crowded places and wear masks. If they contract the infection, they are likely to develop complications like pneumonia, viral meningitis and infections of lungs, brain and other organs.
