The Next Pandemic — H3N2

Seems that the good old Hong Kong flu has decided to take a trip to India and spread some of its infectious charm there.

Who would have thought that this globe-trotting virus would add yet another destination to its already impressive itinerary?

For instance, the situation in Pune, Maharashtra where children under the age of 5 are being admitted to ICU and put on ventilators due to various respiratory infections such as Flu A H3N2, H1N1, Adenovirus, Flu B, and SARS-2, is alarming.

Hospitals have reported that their PICUs have been full for the past 3-4 weeks.

The rise in cases and admissions might be attributed to a "drastic drop" in immunity due to COVID-19. This may be caused by immunity debt, immunity gap, or immune damage from COVID-19 infections.

Similarly, in Kolkata, around 150 children have died from respiratory infections, with the majority suspected to be caused by Adenovirus, in the past two months.

This is not a normal situation and requires urgent attention and action.

In all seriousness, the recent increase in influenza infections in India is a cause for concern, and it's important that we take all necessary precautions to prevent its spread