Healing from H3N2: Expert suggests diet and home care guidelines for quick recovery

In India, influenza virus circulation usually peaks during monsoon season (June-September) with secondary peaks during winter (November-February). India is currently seeing a surge in influenza viral infections due to H3N2 and H1N1.
Dr. Sunita Kapoor,Director and Consultant Pathologist at City X-ray & Scan Clinic says, “In recent years in which H3N2 is the predominant strain, there have been more hospitalizations. Human infections are primarily acquired through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments, these viruses have not acquired the ability of sustained transmission among humans.”

Young children under age 2
Adults older than age 65
Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
People who are pregnant or plan to be pregnant during flu season
People with weakened immune systems
People who have chronic illnesses, such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease and diabetes
Health care workers performing aerosol generating procedures
Travelers to countries and people living in countries with known outbreaks of avian influenza.

It is a good idea to keep following common sense flu prevention guidelines, like
Regular hand washing with proper drying of the hands
Good respiratory hygiene – covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using tissues and disposing of them correctly
Early self-isolation of those feeling unwell, feverish and having other symptoms of influenza
Avoiding close contact with sick people specially those who are coughing and sneezing
Avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth
It’s best to get your flu shot before the peak flu season

Dr. Kapoor says, “Body needs good nutrition to recover from the flu. One might not have much of an appetite, but it’s still important to eat regular meals to maintain your strength. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen your immune system as it fights off the virus. Also the body needs plenty of fluids to replace lost liquids, and even more to fight off the infection. Water is best, but you can also drink herbal teas or tea with honey. Few foods to be avoided are heavy, greasy foods, such as fried or fast foods.”

“In case of flu, a dry cough usually starts after a fever and can last for a long time. The cough is very strong and it is taking 10 to 12 days to get cured. While earlier, fever usually lasted for 3-4 days, but in these cases, the fever is not getting cured even in 6-7 days. In some patients getting infected with H3N2 virus, more infection is spreading in lungs and this can lead to pneumonia, leading to cough, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.If the condition worsens, hospitalization becomes necessary, often in elderly or young children,” Dr. Kapoor told TOI.
Fatigue, lethargy and extreme weakness are frequent H3N2 symptoms. These may persist for several weeks even after the other symptoms have subsided. Patients may also experience severe and long-lasting body pain, particularly in the back, arms, and legs

Some lifestyle tips may help post-viral fatigue syndrome.
These include:
adequate sleep and getting plenty of rest
taking naps throughout the day as necessary
drinking plenty of water
engaging in mild exercise during the day
eating a balanced and healthful diet with fresh fruits and vegetables
stress reduction techniques and alternative therapies, such as meditation, yoga,
Getting a massage may also help some people relax and deal with muscle pain.


These tips may help reduce the recovery time.