H3N2: The increasing cases of Influenza H3N2 virus in India is a matter of concern. In 2023, India is set to witness a total of 3,038 lab-confirmed cases of different subtypes of influenza, including H3N2, as per the latest data available on IDSP-IHIP (Integrated Health Information Platform) till March 9. As per the data shared by the Health Ministry, from January 2 to March 5, 451 cases of H3N2 have been reported in the country.

Nutrition is important in fighting H3N2 flu.
Three things are important to deal with the flu – masks, medicines, and food. Because the body's immune system plays an important role in fighting any infection and flu. In such a situation, a good and adequate nutritious diet is important to strengthen our immune system. Paying attention to your diet is extremely important when you have the flu.

What to eat when you have H3N2 influenza flu?
Take a healthy and balanced diet.

Eat enough protein - At least consume 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per kg of body weight. However, protein intake can be increased to 1.2 to 1.5 grams after consulting a doctor.

-Vitamins and Minerals - Include fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables in your diet after washing them properly as they are rich in antioxidants.

Eat these foods to boost the immune system
-Vitamin A - Carrots, Sweet Potatoes, Papayas, Apricots

Vitamin C - All citrus fruits like lemon, amla, tomato, orange, sweet lime

-Vitamin E - Sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, almonds, and pistachios

-Vitamin D - fortified milk and dairy products, mushrooms, eggs, and fish

-Zinc and Selenium - Seeds like chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, whole pulses, whole grains, black sesame seeds, eggs, fish

- Probiotics and Pre-biotics - Yogurt

-Indian Herbs and Spices - These have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-bacterial properties. Include things like basil, dry ginger, lemongrass, garlic, turmeric, black pepper, and coriander in your diet

-Omega 3 - Omega 6 - Include nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds

-Hydration - Stay hydrated by including coconut water, lemon water, fresh homemade soups, buttermilk, and green tea along with drinking 2- 2.5 liters of water on a daily basis

Make distance from these food items when you have flu
1. Avoid things like carbonated drinks, cold drinks, squash

2. Avoid roadside, raw or stale food to avoid infection

3. Avoid eating fried food

4. Avoid bakery food items, flour which contains junk food like pizza, pasta, burger, and fries

5. Avoid pasteurized food items like cheese and mayonnaise

6. Abstain from alcohol

7. Quit smoking and tobacco