H3N2 influenza: As schools close in Puducherry from today here are the precautions you need to take for kids

Schools for classes 1 to 8 have been ordered to remain closed from March 17 to March 26 in view of rising cases of H3N2 influenza virus.


The decision has been taken by the government after 79 H3N2 influenza cases were reported in the union territory in the last four days. Such cases are also increasing in Tamil Nadu and other neighboring states.

H3N2 influenza and COVID are not similar infections though the nature of the symptoms seen in both the cases are quite identical.


H3N2 influenza is caused by H3N2 influenza virus, while COVID is caused by the coronavirus.


H3N2 has existed before and is a subtype of the influenza A virus. The coronavirus causing COVID was a novel virus which led to worldwide pandemic in 2020.

H3N2 virus affects kids and adults alike, doctors have said.


Health experts have said that for kids H3N2 can be serious and it is very important to keep them safe from catching the viral infection.


Several experts have said that non-exposure of kids to influenza viruses in the last 2 years has increased their susceptibility towards the infection recently. To contain the spread of COVID, schools and other educational institutes in the country were closed for almost 2 years.


Doctors have warned parents to take note of the symptoms and get medical help urgently without delay. They have also urged parents to not administer antibiotics upon seeing the symptoms.

The common symptoms of H3N2 influenza seen in kids are fever, cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, weakness and lethargy.


Though the symptoms might appear mild, it can pose a severe threat to those who already have respiratory diseases like pneumonia and asthma.


Experts say the recovery period in case of H3N2 influenza is a little longer hence kids may also be at higher risk of developing pneumonia or other respiratory infections, which can lead to hospitalization and even mortality in severe cases.

Doctors have warned parents to not self-prescribe their kids with antibiotics.


Antibiotic tablets are consumed mindlessly and this has increased after COVID pandemic. Recurrent fever, which people usually do not check if it has been caused by viral infection or bacterial infection, is suppressed with doses of antibiotics.


Random usage of antibiotics can make the body resistant to the drug and it may be a problem when the body is actually under a bacterial attack and needs the right drug to counter the attack.

In order to avoid catching the massively circulating H3N2 virus, parents should follow anti-influenza measures and also encourage the kids to follow it.


Avoid touching nose, eyes and mouth without cleaning your hands

Clean hands often with soap and sanitise it

Carry tissue papers or wet wipes to keep hands clean

Avoid touching exposed and unclean surfaces

Wash your hand before eating

Use tissue papers to keep the hand dry and clean

Wear mask whenever in crowded places

​COVID XBB 1.16 variant: Tracker finds high cases in India, know the symptoms​