Karnataka on ALERT after spike in H3N2, COVID cases, calls high-level meeting: 10 Points

Health officials in Karnataka are on high alert following concerns from the Indian Council of Medical Research about the rise in fever cases associated with influenza AH3N2, a subtype of virus that causes flu (influenza). Also, the state is seeing an increase in corona cases, which has prompted the state's minister of health, Dr. K. Sudhakar, to schedule a high-level conference for Monday. "The number of Corona infections has increased since last week. About the H3N2 strain, the Union Health Ministry has issued a warning. The gathering of specialists and officers would take place on March 6th "Sudhakar informed the press.

This is a 10-point summary of this important story

• Hundreds of patients with a strong cough, a runny nose, a high temperature, eye burning, and other H3N2 symptoms are being reported at both public and private hospitals in the state.
• Breathlessness is reported by 27% of SARI patients, and 16% go on to develop pneumonia, which is a worrying development.
• According to ICMR statistics, of the H3N2 patients who were hospitalised, 92% had a fever, 86% had a cough, 27% had dyspnea, and 16% had wheezing.
• In public hospitals all around the state, special outpatient and inpatient sections are being set up for H3N2 patients.
• Physicians have been cautioned about giving flu patients heavy dosages of potent antibiotics.
• Doctors advise donning masks before leaving the house.
• A further 95 new COVID cases have been recorded across Karnataka, while 79 more have been found in Bengaluru city in the last day.
• After 100 days, the state and Bengaluru have seen an increase in Corona cases.
• The state's Department of Health has issued information showing that there are currently 391 ongoing COVID cases, and the positive rate has increased to 2.44 percent.
• The experts advise individuals to avoid those who have cough, cold, or fever symptoms.