Published Mar 04, 2026 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Mar 04, 2026 | 7:00 AM
WHO data shows seasonal influenza causes between 290,000 and 650,000 respiratory deaths globally each year.
Synopsis: India is set to update its seasonal influenza vaccine after the World Health Organization recommended a change following the rapid spread of a new H3N2 subclade. Doctors say the strain is not necessarily more severe per case but spreads faster, which could lead to more infections and hospital admissions, especially among the elderly, young children and those with underlying conditions.
India is set to update its seasonal influenza vaccine after the World Health Organization recommended a change in composition for the upcoming northern hemisphere flu season. The move follows the rapid spread of a new influenza A (H3N2) subclade across several countries.
Doctors say the strain is not necessarily more severe per case, but it spreads faster. Symptoms resemble typical influenza—fever, fatigue and cough—but the illness may last longer.
“This newly emerged H3N2 variant is driving a more intense, early and faster-spreading flu pattern,” Dr P Praveen Kumar Reddy, Consultant in General Medicine at SRM Prime Hospital, Chennai, told South First.
“We need to treat as early as possible,” he said, adding that early recognition and management can prevent complications.
Doctors are seeing a higher proportion of influenza-like illness and, in some cases, severe respiratory infections.
“Whenever respiratory infection occurs, most of them present with bronchospasm,” Dr Jimmy Prabhakar J, General Physician at Rela Hospital, Chennai, told South First.
But he said the new strain is not dramatically different.
“It produces almost the same type of respiratory infection. The complication rate is not very alarming. Very rarely, it can lead to pneumonia,” he said.
“Even though the transmission rates are high, the symptom profile and complication rate are very low.”
Earlier, most patients had a dry cough, he said. Now wheezing and a prolonged cough lasting one to two weeks are common, even in those without a prior history of asthma.
Dr Reddy said that while the virus itself may not be more aggressive, the sheer number of infections can lead to more admissions.
“Mostly all the people resulting with higher volume of hospitalization,” he added.
Dr Reddy said the elderly above 65, young children and patients with underlying conditions such as asthma and COPD, as well as those who are immunocompromised, are most vulnerable.
WHO data shows seasonal influenza causes between 290,000 and 650,000 respiratory deaths globally each year. The agency recommends annual vaccination, particularly for high-risk groups.
India does not have a universal government-mandated flu vaccination programme, but seasonal vaccination is recommended for vulnerable groups.
Dr Reddy said coverage has largely been limited to high-risk groups, but it still “provides critical protection against severe disease and deaths.”
Dr Prabhakar said updated vaccines covering the H3N2 subtype are expected soon. “Most likely in one or two weeks it will be launched,” he said.
Doctors also stress prevention beyond vaccination. “Avoid overcrowded atmospheres. Try to wear a mask, if possible,” Dr Prabhakar said. Hand hygiene, hydration and good nutrition, he added, are simple but effective safeguards.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
