This is an archive article published on April 22, 2023
Covid cases in Maharashtra spike to daily average of 1,000; H3N2 cases decline
Between March 22 and April 5, a total of 135 new Influenza A H3N2 cases were detected, which then dropped to 40 between April 6 and 20. This has given some relief to government officials whose hands are full dealing with the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases.
Influenza viruses that cause the flu are of four different types: A, B, C and D. Influenza A is further classified into different subtypes, of which one is H3N2. So far, six deaths have been reported in the state. (Express Photo)
Amid the upward spiral of Covid-19 cases in the state, the highly infectious Influenza A H3N2 has witnessed a drop in numbers. In the last 15 days, the cases of Influenza A H3N2 have dropped by 32 percent compared to the two previous weeks.
Influenza viruses that cause the flu are of four different types: A, B, C and D. Influenza A is further classified into different subtypes, of which one is H3N2. So far, six deaths have been reported in the state.
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Between March 22 and April 5, a total of 135 new Influenza A H3N2 cases were detected, which then dropped to 40 between April 6 and 20. This has given some relief to government officials whose hands are full dealing with the sudden spike in Covid-19 cases.
Doctors cite that this phenomenon is quite common among seasonal infections.
“When the season changes, viruses thrive and number of infections increase. Later, it plateaus. Viruses fight each other for supremacy. In the last years, while Covid was the dominant infection, other seasonal infections didn’t multiply to such an extent,” said Dr Pradip Awate, the former state surveillance officer.
Meanwhile, with 1,000 Covid-19 being detected every day, Maharashtra’s active caseload is now 5,970. On Friday, the state reported 998 Covid-19 cases.
For early treatment of Covid-19 patients, 25 hospitals dedicated to Covid patients have been made operational across the state, which are mainly treating critical patients.
“We have 5,000 beds for patients, more than 2,000 ventilators, 62 liquid medical oxygen and 37 PSA plants. Some 2,000 jumbo and 6,000 small oxygen cylinders have been kept ready for emergencies,” said a state health department officer.
We are ready to handle any sudden outbreak, but our readings do not indicate such a situation due to mass immunisation, he added.
Influenza viruses that cause the flu are of four different types: A, B, C and D. Influenza A is further classified into different subtypes, of which one is H3N2. So far, six deaths have been reported in the state. (Express Photo) 
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