What is H3N2 flu?

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), recently in this country there has been an increase in cases of severe cough lasting more than 1 week accompanied by fever. The cause is believed to be due to the influenza A H3N2 virus. In addition, India recorded 2 deaths due to this influenza A virus.

Things to know about influenza A H3N2 virus

This raises concerns about whether H3N2 flu will break out into an epidemic and threaten people's health?

Dr Nikhil Modi, Consultant, Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, Delhi, said: " It is time to rebuild Covid-era prevention protocols as we increasingly must live with evolving viruses ." However, he also mentioned that there is no need to panic and avoid taking drugs indiscriminately, especially antibiotics.

1. Learn about H3N2 flu

Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, including influenza viruses A, B, C and D. Influenza A, B and C can spread to humans. However, only influenza A and B cause annual epidemics.

Influenza A viruses are divided into different subtypes based on two proteins found on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). There are 18 different types of HA, numbered from H1 to H18. Similarly, there are 11 different types of NA, numbered from N1 to N11.

Influenza A viruses are classified under both HA and NA subtypes, which includes H3N2.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), H3N2 caused the 1968 influenza pandemic that resulted in the deaths of about 1 million people globally and about 100,000 in the United States.

H3N2 belongs to the influenza A strain and spreads rapidly. (Photo: Internet).

2. Are there any differences in symptoms of H3N2 flu?

Flu symptoms caused by H3N2 are similar to symptoms caused by other seasonal flu viruses. Symptoms often appear suddenly and may include:

Cough

1. Runny or stuffy nose
2. Sore throat
3. Headache
4. Body ache
5. Fever or chills
6. Tired
7. Diarrhea
8. Vomiting

H3N2 flu symptoms are similar to regular seasonal flu. (Photo: Internet).

According to the Indian Medical Association (IMA), infection due to H3N2 usually lasts 5 to 7 days and fever begins to disappear after 3 days. However, the cough can last up to 3 weeks.

3. Is H3N2 flu dangerous?

Compared to other seasonal flu strains, H3N2 flu can cause more serious illness, especially in high-risk groups such as children under 5 years old, the elderly, people with chronic diseases. Research has not yet been completed. determined exactly why this was the case but did notice a trend between H3 influenza strains and the severity of this strain.

People with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, should be especially cautious because this flu strain can cause severe breathing difficulties and flare-up asthma attacks.

Like other flu strains, H3N2 can cause complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, Reye's syndrome.

H3N2 flu can cause more serious illness. (Photo: Internet).

4. Treatment of H3N2 flu

Treatments for flu that do not involve complications focus primarily on treating symptoms such as:

1. Rest and eat well, especially supplement foods rich in vitamin C, Zinc.
2. Add plenty of water and electrolytes
3. Take over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms such as fever, headache, and aches

In addition, when treating H3N2 flu, you should pay attention to a number of additional issues:

1. If taking antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), consult your doctor. Antiviral drugs can help shorten the duration of the illness and prevent complications from developing, but can also be harmful if used incorrectly.
2. Antibiotics are not effective in treating viral diseases, so they are not effective in treating flu. Only when people with flu experience complications related to infection are antibiotics prescribed.

Influenza treatment often focuses on treating symptoms such as fever, cough, headache, and body aches. (Photo: Internet).

5. Some measures to prevent H3N2 flu

H3N2 flu is easily spread through droplets or contact with virus-infected surfaces. You can take the following steps to prevent flu infection:

1. Get a flu vaccine every year, especially children under 5 years old, people over 65 years old, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic diseases (such as asthma and lung diseases, diabetes, heart disease, dementia). immunity).

Vaccination may not completely protect you from the flu, but it can prevent complications and the disease from getting worse, reducing the risk of hospitalization. You should go to a vaccination center for more detailed advice on the appropriate vaccine.

1. Wash your hands often, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and before touching your face, nose, or mouth.
2. If possible, avoid crowded areas where the flu can easily spread or else wear a mask when going out.
3. Avoid contact with people who have symptoms of sneezing, coughing, runny nose.
4. If you have the flu, you can prevent spreading it to others by staying home until 24 hours after your fever subsides and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze.

It can be said that the H3N2 flu strain tends to cause more serious illness, but mild cases can still be treated at home. However, influenza can break out into an epidemic and threaten the health of everyone, especially groups with weak immune systems and resistance. Therefore, proactive disease prevention is essential to protect health.