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H3N2 Virus

H3N2 Virus



Overview

There are four distinct kinds of influenza viruses that are responsible for the infectious disease known as the flu: A, B, C, and D. The H3N2 subtype of Influenza A is one of several subtypes.

The H3N2 infection is exceptionally infectious and spreads effectively from one individual to another through respiratory droplets. The virus infect other people if an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Touching contaminated surfaces with your mouth, nose, or eyes can also spread the virus. The influenza A virus subtype H3N2 is responsible for the highly contagious respiratory illness known as H3N2 flu.

Mutation: New strains of the influenza virus can emerge due to rapid mutation. Since the H3N2 virus is susceptible to mutagenesis and evolution, predicting the severity of each flu season is challenging.

Sensitivity of the host: People who haven’t been exposed to the virus before or whose immune systems are weaker may be more likely to get the H3N2 flu.

Crowded living conditions: Schools, nursing homes, and prisons are places where the H3N2 flu is more likely to spread.

Seasonal variations: During the winter, when people tend to spend more time indoors and close to others, the H3N2 flu is more prevalent.

Travel: The virus can be transmitted from infected travelers to new locations, so H3N2 flu can be spread internationally.

Symptoms 

Being familiar with the symptoms of H3N2 influenza is essential because early disease detection is linked to treatment and prevention.

The following are some of the typical symptoms of an H3N2 seasonal infection:

Fever, usually with chills 

Cough, which can last for up to two weeks 

Muscle and joint pain 

Feeling sick (acute malaise) 

Runny nose 

Sore throat 

Headache 

Nausea 

Abdominal pain or discomfort 

Diarrhea 

Itching or pain in the ears 

Swollen lymph nodes (in children)

The viral infection caused by H3N2 influenza can cause a severe cough lasting up to two weeks. H3N2 Flu can cause serious illness and possibly be dangerous for certain high-risk patients, even though most people recover from the fever within a week without needing to be hospitalized. If the symptoms don’t go away or appear to get worse, it’s critical to keep an eye on the patient and seek professional help.

High-risk groups may require hospitalization. If a member of your household is diagnosed with this infection and has comorbid conditions like asthma, COPD, obesity, or heart or lung disorders, this is something to keep in mind.

Risk Factors:

Some high-risk groups are more susceptible than others. It is recommended that you exercise caution if you or the affected individual  is in such a group:

Pregnant women 

Kids under five years

Older people

Individuals experiencing constant ailments (aspiratory, persistent heart, renal, metabolic, liver, hematologic, and neurodevelopmental conditions.)

People taking steroids, receiving chemotherapy, or having immunosuppressive diseases like AIDS or HIV.

Healthcare workers who are constantly in contact with patients are more likely to spread the illness to vulnerable people.

Causes

A combination of five amino acid substitutions in the HA of the Hong Kong 1968 H3N2 isolates were associated with the bird-to-human adaptation and pandemic emergence of these viruses.

Diagnosis

Most cases are diagnosed clinically; however, during periods of low activity, the infection due to  other respiratory viruses, such as Covid, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and adenovirus, can also present themselves as influenza-like illness. This makes it challenging to distinguish H3N2 influenza from other environmental pathogens clinically. Therefore, a respiratory sample and a laboratory diagnostic test will be required to determine the nature of the pathogen.

Tests that your doctor may recommend: 

Swabs from the nose or throat for real-time RT-PCR.

Test for H2N3 Virus in culture.

Testing for the H3N2 Virus with antibodies.

Treatment

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recommended that physicians treat H3N2 influenza primarily with symptomatic treatment rather than antibiotics.

If you feel unwell, see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. You may be asked to monitor your vital signs and temperature at home if a doctor suspects H3N2.

Drink plenty of water and eat well.

Along with cough, warm saline gargles and steam inhalation can alleviate ear and throat discomfort.

Follow a doctor’s treatment plan; avoid self-medicating or starting antibiotic or antiviral medications  because they may cause side effects and may not even be necessary . However, when it is deemed necessary, your doctor will prescribe antiviral medications.

Seek immediate medical attention if a high-grade fever persists, breathing becomes difficult, or the SpO2 drops below 94.

Type of Doctor Department : A General Physician or an Internal Medicine Specialist.

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