Alert! ‘Mystery Flu’ spreading rapidly: 69 % households report illness-Know 5 major symptoms
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, September 26, 2025: A highly contagious illness is spreading rapidly across Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR). A recent survey has revealed that nearly 69% of households in Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad have at least one member suffering from flu-like symptoms.
According to doctors and health experts, this is not the usual seasonal flu but the H3N2 influenza, a subtype of the Influenza A virus known to be more infectious. The virus spreads easily through droplets released while coughing, sneezing, or even talking. Schools, hostels, and other crowded places have emerged as hotspots.
Key Symptoms of H3N2 Flu
The infection develops suddenly and progresses quickly. The major warning signs include:
- High fever with sudden chills
- Severe sore throat with persistent cough lasting weeks
- Intense headache and body stiffness/pain
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Breathing difficulties in severe cases
Who Is at Higher Risk?
While anyone can be infected, certain groups face a higher risk of complications:
- Adults above 50 years of age
- Children under 15 years
- Pregnant women with weaker immunity
- Patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease
Prevention and Treatment Measures
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has issued guidelines to manage the outbreak:
- Rest & hydration: Most patients recover within 3–5 days of adequate rest and fluids. Fever usually subsides in 3 days, though cough may persist for weeks.
- Antiviral medicines: In severe or high-risk cases, doctors may prescribe antivirals like Oseltamivir, which work best when taken within 48 hours of symptom onset.
- Avoid antibiotics: Since this is a viral infection, antibiotics are ineffective and should not be prescribed unnecessarily.
- Home remedies: Steam inhalation and warm saltwater gargles provide relief from sore throat and cough.
Doctors emphasize strict hygiene, mask use in crowded areas, and self-isolation at the first sign of symptoms to curb further spread.