H3N2 Flu Strikes Delhi NCR: Symptoms You Must Not Ignore, Remedies, and Healing Kadha Recipes

Add as a preferred source on Google

The seasonal chill in Delhi-NCR has brought with it more than just a nip in the air-it has unleashed a concerning wave of the H3N2 influenza virus, a strain of Influenza A.

Unlike the usual flu that many shake off in a few days, this outbreak is proving stubborn, with patients experiencing lingering, severe symptoms well beyond the typical recovery period.

What's more alarming is its rapid spread, impacting families across the region and placing the most vulnerable-children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions-at serious risk of complications.

With hospitals already reporting a surge in cases, doctors are urging people to spot symptoms early, take timely precautions, and avoid dismissing it as a common cold or mild seasonal flu. As the outbreak continues to grip the capital, awareness and preventive care have become more crucial than ever.

Let's understand the symptoms, precautions, and some effective home remedies that can help ease recovery.

H3N2 Flu Common Symptoms

• Persistent Cough - Dry or wet cough that lingers longer than normal flu.
• High Fever - Often above 101°F, lasting several days.
• Severe Body Aches - Muscle and joint pain that makes movement uncomfortable.
• Sore Throat & Irritation - Difficulty swallowing or constant throat discomfort.
• Runny or Stuffy Nose - Congestion that doesn't go away easily.
• Headache - Continuous and sometimes intense headaches.
• Fatigue & Weakness - Feeling drained even after resting.
• Shortness of Breath or Wheezing - Especially concerning in children, elderly, and those with lung conditions.
• Chills & Sweating - Sudden waves of shivering and sweating cycles.
• Loss of Appetite & Nausea - Some patients experience stomach upset along with flu.

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Rainbow Children's Hospital (@rainbowchildrenshospital)

Why H3N2 Flu Is Different From Regular Seasonal Cold

Unlike a normal cold, which passes within a few days, H3N2 can last longer and leave the body weak for weeks. It spreads easily in crowded places, making Delhi NCR residents particularly vulnerable during changing weather. The intensity of cough and fatigue often misleads people into dismissing it as pollution-related, but ignoring the flu can worsen symptoms.

H3N2 Flu: Precautions To Stay Safe

1. Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer when outside.

2. Wear a Mask in Crowded Places: Since H3N2 spreads through droplets, wearing a mask in public places reduces the risk of infection.

3. Strengthen Immunity: Eat vitamin-rich foods, seasonal fruits, leafy greens, turmeric, ginger, and drink kadha or herbal teas to boost your body's defenses.

4. Avoid Touching Your Face: Refrain from touching your nose, mouth, or eyes with unwashed hands, as it increases the risk of virus entry.

5. Stay Hydrated: Drink warm water and fluids regularly to keep the throat moist and flush out toxins.

6. Rest and Isolate if Sick: If you show symptoms, avoid close contact with others, take proper rest, and consult a doctor early.

7. Keep Homes Ventilated and Clean: Disinfect commonly touched surfaces like door handles, phones, and switches. Allow sunlight and fresh air inside.

8. Protect Vulnerable Groups: Children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses must be extra cautious. Keep them away from infected individuals.

Home Remedies That Provide Relief

1. Ginger Tea for Soothing the Throat

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Drinking ginger tea or chewing small pieces with honey can ease sore throat and persistent cough.

2. Honey With Warm Water

Honey coats the throat, reduces irritation, and works as a natural cough suppressant. Mix one teaspoon in warm water or herbal tea for quick relief.

3. Steam Inhalation With Eucalyptus Oil

Inhaling steam helps loosen mucus and relieve nasal congestion. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil makes it more effective by clearing blocked sinuses.

4. Turmeric Milk (Golden Milk)

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and helps fight infections. Warm milk with half a teaspoon of turmeric before bedtime can reduce cough and improve sleep.

5. Tulsi (Holy Basil) Leaves

Chewing fresh tulsi leaves or boiling them in water to make tea can ease cold symptoms and boost immunity.

6. Saltwater Gargle

A simple yet powerful remedy, gargling with warm saltwater can soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.

7. Garlic and Clove Infusion

Garlic has antimicrobial properties, while cloves relieve throat irritation. Boil both together in water, strain, and sip warm for relief.

Kadha Recipe For Immunity Boosting

A traditional kadha can act as a shield for the body. Here's a simple recipe for cold relief.

Ingredients:

2 cups water
1 inch fresh ginger (grated or crushed)
4-5 tulsi (holy basil) leaves
½ teaspoon black pepper (crushed)
½ teaspoon cinnamon powder (or a small stick of dalchini)
3-4 cloves (laung)
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon honey (optional, for taste)

Method:

1. In a pan, add water and bring it to a boil.
2. Add ginger, tulsi leaves, black pepper, cinnamon, and cloves.
3. Let it simmer on low flame for 10-12 minutes until the water reduces to about half.
4. Add turmeric and stir well before switching off the flame.
5. Strain the kadha into a cup and add honey if desired.

How to use:

Sip warm, preferably twice a day, to ease throat irritation, relieve congestion, and strengthen immunity.

This herbal drink clears nasal passages, eases cough, and strengthens immunity.

If you prefer something milder, prepare a kadha with fennel seeds, carom seeds, dry ginger powder, and a pinch of turmeric. This blend reduces bloating, relieves cough, and keeps the digestive system calm while you recover.

So, stay alert, stay safe, and let healing begin from within.