H3N2 is a sub-type of the Influenza A virus, which is spreading rapidly across India this time, sparking fears for many. The highly contagious H3N2 influenza can be spread from person to person by droplets discharged when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the influenza A subtype H3N2 virus may be responsible for the recent rise in cases of severe cough lasting more than a week along with fever in different areas of India.
What is H3N2?
H3N2 virus is a sub-type of the Influenza A virus, which is spreading rapidly across India this time, sparking fears for many. The H3N2v virus, also referred to as a “swine influenza virus,” is a non-human influenza virus that usually infects pigs and has also infected humans, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These viruses are known as “variant” viruses when they infect humans. According to the CDC, the specific H3N2 variant virus was found in humans in 2011 and contained the M gene from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus as well as genes from avian, swine, and human viruses. Presently, the severity of the H3N2 disease is comparable to that of seasonal flu.
According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the influenza A subtype H3N2 virus may be responsible for the recent rise in cases of severe cough lasting more than a week along with fever in different areas of India. The government announced on Friday that two deaths in India had been linked to the influenza A subtype H3N2 virus, one each in the states of Karnataka and Haryana. It further mentioned that 90 cases of this virus have been reported across the country.
Symptoms
According to the world health organization (WHO), avian, swine and other zoonotic influenza infections in humans may cause disease ranging from mild upper respiratory infection (fever and cough) to rapid progression to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock and even death. Some common symptoms of H3N2 virus are:
- Fever
- Coughing
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sore throat/ throat ache
- An ache in muscles and body
- Diarrhea
- Sneezing and runny nose
If a person experience any of the above symptoms, it is very important to consult a doctor.
How has it spread?
The highly contagious H3N2 influenza can be spread from person to person by droplets discharged when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. If someone touches their mouth or nose after coming in contact with a surface that has the virus on it, the infection may also spread. The risk of complications from the flu is increased among pregnant women, young children, older adults, and people with underlying medical conditions.
Treatment and prevention
WHO is advising H3N2 virus-infected individuals to take prescribed treatments as directed. Oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir, and baloxavir are currently advised medications and are only accessible with a doctor’s prescription.
WHO recommends that neuraminidase inhibitors be prescribed as soon as feasible (preferably, within 48 hours of symptom start) in suspected and confirmed cases to maximise therapeutic benefits.
Dos and Don’ts
According to experts, it is very important to follow some protocols to avoid the infection of H3N2 virus:
Dos
- drinking lots of fluids
- Regularly wash your hands with water and soap
- Wear face masks and avoid crowded areas
- Avoid touching your nose and mouth
- Cover your nose and mouth properly while coughing and sneezing
- Stay hydrated and consume plenty of fluids
- In case of fever and bodyache, take paracetamol
Don’ts
- Spitting in public areas
- Using contact-based greetings such as shaking hands
- Self-medicating and taking antibiotics or any other medications without consulting a doctor
- Eating while seated next to other people
Which age group is at higher risk?
According to CDC, the following individuals are at a higher risk of developing complications if they get infected with H3N2 virus:
- Children below five years old
- Adults above 65 years
- pregnant people
- people with certain long-term health problems like:
- asthma
- kidney diseases
- HIV or AIDS
- diabetes
- heart disease
- weakened immune systems
- neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions
Relationship of H3N2 influenza with Covid-19
Leading expert advises more frequent Covid testing as the rate of H3N2 influenza rises. Health officials are concerned about the rising trend of H3N2 influenza cases linked to concurrent Covid-19 infections. Due to an increase in ICU admissions, they recommended more testing.
Covid-19 and influenza both have symptoms that can last two to three months and are “circulating concurrently in the community,” according to a scientist. According to the top authority, samples from people who may have influenza are also being tested for Covid-19.
Experts claim that this is the period of year when the H3N2 virus, a variant of the H1N1 virus, spreads. Because of their mutation, the number of cases is rising. The top researcher did advise a proportionate rise in the number of Covid tests as the number of cases increased, though.
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References:
- Word Health Organization (WHO).
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
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