H3N2, RSV cases surge in India: What is the situation
India is seeing a sharp uptick in flu and respiratory infections this year, with cases of H3N2 and RSV rising steadily since July 2025.
By mid-September, H3N2 cases hit their highest point, and positivity rates jumped from 0.7% to over 3% in just August.
Combined wave of H3N2, RSV
RSV infections shot up during the monsoon, leading to more hospitalizations—especially among children with fever, cough, or body aches.
The combined wave of H3N2 and RSV has led to increased hospitalizations, especially among children.
Half of SARI admissions due to H3N2
H3N2 now accounts for about half of Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) admissions in some hospitals.
Patients often face days of fever and trouble breathing, sometimes leading to pneumonia or bronchitis.
ICMR urges everyone: don't self-medicate—see a doctor if your fever sticks around or you have breathing issues.
Vaccination and community awareness key to control spread
Former WHO chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan warns that viruses keep mutating, which makes them spread faster—especially among vulnerable groups.
Dr Rohit Sharma, an internal medicine consultant at Apollo Spectra Hospital in Jaipur, has seen around 10 new hospital cases daily lately.
Both stress that vaccination and community awareness are key to keeping things under control this season.