Amid scare of COVID due to the new variant XBB 1.16, infection due to H3N2 virus is picking up pace. State governments and governments of the union territories have been asked to remain alert on the rising cases of infection.

The infection has claimed nine lives in the country so far and going with media reports, the number of active cases is more than 450.

Though it is a seasonal influenza and the symptoms seem to be mild in nature, H3N2 influenza symptoms linger for longer duration, health experts have said.

We spoke to Dr.Nidhin Mohan, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Narayana Health City, Bengaluru on the symptoms and duration of the symptoms and what people need to do to stay safe.