Flu cases on rise, experts blame mutated strain, dropping of masks

Current H3N2 strain has its origin in the 1968 pandemic; experts also cite lack of awareness about the influenza vaccine, which must be taken every year

Two years after the pandemic breakout, a sudden rise in flu cases is being attributed to the phasing out of masks and a possible mutation in the influenza strain doing the rounds, revealed experts.
 

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that the Influenza A subtype H3N2 is a major cause for the current respiratory flare-up.
 

“The ICMR-DHR established a pan respiratory virus surveillance across 30 virus research and diagnostic laboratories,” said ICMR, while issuing a detailed advisory.
 

Jacob John, a renowned virologist, said these viruses have always been around, but their spread was limited in the past