A Concise Overview of the H3N2 Influenza Virus

There has been no shortage of seasonal flu epidemics that occur around the world. Among these flu epidemics, the Influenza virus is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, and within its many strains lies its most widespread variants, the H3N2 Influenza virus.

It is considered by many medical experts to be the most severe and lethal variations of the Influenza A Virus. It is responsible for a number of outbreaks in the past and is still deemed to be a threat to the Elderly, small children and people who are suffering from very ill and chronic conditions.

In this detailed and informative guide, you will be able to understand why H3N2 is such a massive threat to humans and how its spreads from person to person, all the signs and symptoms it gives out and even its diagnosis and potential treatment options.

What is the H3N2 Flu?

It is under the Influenza A Virus strain, which was first found and medically identified in 1968. Originally, it was a simple mix-up between the Avian Flu and Human Flu viruses, which has then evolved and been the center of importance for several outbreaks spanning decades, each happening at a random moment between those decades. Like most other strains of the flu, it is spread through the droplets made by people through speech or through other means, such as sneezing, coughing, and laughing.

The flu strain is able to frequently mutate to adapt to their surroundings, which gives the body’s immune system a very hard time trying to fend off any attacks made from H3N2. This is also why yearly vaccine lists are always updated to include a new variation of the vaccine for the H3N2 flu. To understand how the body reacts during viral infections like H3N2, read an overview of Fever and its effects in the body.

How does the H3N2 virus spread?

H3N2 flu is highly contagious, as it is the same case with other variants of the flu virus, and is spread through the following ways.

Droplets from Respiratory System

This happens when the infected person passes these droplets through coughing or sneezing.

Touching the surface of any infected area

This is possible when the person touches an already infected piece of land or object before touching themselves through the contact of the nose, mouth and eyes.

Being in close proximity

Being very close to an infected person can also lead to high chances of contracting the H3N2 flu.

In case the person has gotten into contact with an infected person or place, an incubation of 1 to at least 4 days is necessary for keeping the flu to you without spreading it, and there are also ways in which the flu occurs even without showing any of the signs of the H3N2 flu virus.

The symptoms of the H3N2 flu

Like other types of flu viruses, H3N2’s symptoms carry various similarities but can vary in severity. There are some instances where the symptoms just appear out of nowhere.

• High Fever and Chills
• Very Dry Coughing
• Sore Throat
• Runny and Stuffy Noses
• Muscle Aches and Body Aches
• Severe Headaches
• Fatigue and Extreme Amounts of Tiredness
• Loss of Appetite

There are also some symptoms which are not found regularly and often are less common, but are still worth noting down.

• Diarrhea or Nauseas, which are mostly found in children
• Breathing difficulties and intense chest pains
• Red Flags and when exactly to seek help

If you or any one in your immediate vicinity is experiencing any of these symptoms, try and seek the nearest medical facility for immediate medical attention:

• Feelings of confusion
• Persistent projectile vomiting
• Constant Seizures
• Difficulty in Breathing
• Chest Pain and Pressure that worsens over time
• Symptoms that are able to slow down and stop but return with a high-grade fever and terrible coughs.

Flu symptoms can sometimes resemble other health conditions learn more in 12 Common Fevers in India: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment.

Complications related to the H3N2 flu

The H3N2 influenza virus can have some very severe complications that can end up becoming even more of a problem down the line in terms of recovery. This is especially important for groups who are deemed very high-risk.

• Pneumonia
• Sinus Infections
• Bronchitis
• Ear Infections
• Exacerbations of several chronic illnesses such as asthma, Diabetes, and even Heart Diseases.
• Deaths for elderly citizens and those individuals who have been immunocompromised.

Concerned about heart complications during viral infections? Read Blood Tests That Are Required For Heart-Related Conditions.

Who are the people at risk?

The chances of contracting the H3N2 flu are applicable to anyone, even healthy individuals. However, there are a select few groups whose likelihood of getting the H3N2 flu are a lot higher than the rest, and they are as follows:

• Any child under the age of 5, specifically below 2 years old.
• Elderly adults at the age of 65 and beyond.
• Women who are pregnant or are undergoing pregnancy.
• Individuals who are suffering from chronic illnesses
• Individuals who have an extremely weak immune system
• Residents who have been staying at a care facility for a rather long period of time.

If you're looking to understand post-viral inflammation, check out CRP Test In Hindi.

Diagnosis of the H3N2 flu

Clinical Diagnosis

Doctors are able to determine what illness you may be having simply based on the symptoms your body gives out or during a physical exam. Flu symptoms may also go with other forms of respiratory infections and will need some form of testing to get a better picture at the type of flu it might be.

Domestic Tests

Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests (RIDTs)

• This test will guarantee a very guaranteed very quick result, coming in 10 to 15 minutes after the test has been taken.
• However, it may be slightly less accurate than other tests of similar caliber.
• It can also detect the type of Influenza present in the body, but not what particular subtype it might be.

For a deeper understanding of modern diagnostic tools, refer to A Rundown of a Diagnostic Center.

RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction)

• It is considered to be the best and most accurate test in the diagnosis.
• It has the ability to identify what specific subtype of flu the body has contracted.
• It does require lab facilities for the test to be operable, and the results are already between a few hours and a day at most.

Viral Culture

• This test requires at least a few days before it can provide any results due to the complexity of the tests themselves.
• It is mainly used for checking and surveillance for research rather than giving a direct diagnosis.

Treatments meant for the H3N2 flu

General Management

• Almost every patient who has contracted H3N2 can recover with some rest and supportive care from a medical facility:
• Always keep in mind to drink as much fluids and water as you can.
• Get as much rest as possible for your body to fully recover.
• Take some fever reduction medicines such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
• Use saline nasal sprays and cough drops to help quell the illness and get some relief.

Antiviral Medications

For the cases of individuals who have already showcased a high risk or severe case, doctors can prescribe those individuals with some antiviral medications to help with the severity of the situation, specifically around 48 hours after their symptoms have first showcased themselves. These symptoms include the following.

Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

• Oral medication is required for this variant.
• This is most commonly used for this variant.
• It can significantly reduce the duration of the illness and its complications.

Zanamivir (Relenza)

• This medication is inhaled for it to work properly.
• This is not recommended for people who are suffering with Asthma and COPD as per doctor’s orders.

Peramivir (Rapivab)

• This is an intravenous antiviral medication.
• It is used for patients who are under hospitalized care.

Baloxavirmarboxil (Xofluza)

• It is a relatively new form of medication for the flu.
• It is taken in the form of a single-use oral tablet.
• It is considered by doctors to be very effective in shortening the duration of the flu’s duration.

Home Remedies (Supportive)

• Gargling with salt water can help soothe the sore throat that develops with the flu.
• Congestion can be cleared with proper steam inhalation.
• Coughing can be quickly sorted out through drinking Honey and Ginger tea.
• Supplements of Vitamin C and Zinc can help enhance the body’s immunity, but it needs the consultation of a doctor beforehand.

Preventing the H3N2 Flu

Vaccination

• Having a yearly vaccine against H3N2 is the best way to keep it at bay.
• The vaccines related to the flu are constantly changing every 6 months to match the evolving strains.
• Individuals who are 6 months old and above are required to have a vaccination for the H3N2 flu.

Personal Hygiene

• Always remember to wash your hands frequently using both soap and fresh water.
• Make sure to carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with you at all times while you are outside.
• Try to avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose.

Respiratory Etiquette

• It is necessary to cover your nose and mouth as you sneeze and cough to prevent the spread of H3N2.
• Always carry a tissue or a hanky or use your elbow, but never your hands.
• Throw any used tissues you have in a dustbin immediately after use.

If you’re worried about respiratory symptoms, don’t miss Pneumonia Meaning in Hindi.

Avoid Close Contact

• Be wary of sick individuals near you and try your best to maintain a safe distance from them.
• If you are sick yourself, try and stay at your house to avoid the risk of infecting others.

Face Masks and Disinfection

• In case you encounter a crowded area, ensure you have a face mask for your own protection against the flu.
• Disinfect as many infected areas near you as possible to lessen the risks of infection, such as doorknobs, walls and railings.

Special considerations for the Children and Elderly

• Children who are infected often show severe gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting.
• Elderly patients do not always showcase a high fever, but have exhibited signs of confusion, weakness, tiredness, or the worsening of their existing conditions.
• Vaccines and treatments are both extremely vital for both elderly and children and must be administered by a medical professional at once.

How long does H3N2 flu last?

• For most cases, the time taken for recovery is anywhere between 5 days to a week at most.
• Coughing and a sense of fatigue may linger for a few more weeks before subsiding.
• If there are further complications, recovery time may increase and hospitalization is needed.

Explore how your body’s blood profile changes during infection through CBC Test in Hindi

A comparison between the H3N2 flu and other flu strains

Onset of Symptoms

The H3N2’s symptoms are very quick and sudden, Influenza Type B’s symptoms may vary from gradual to sudden depending on the circumstances, and the common cold’s symptoms take time to show signs.

Fever

H3N2 has a very high chance of contracting a fever, Flu type B’s chances fluctuate between a small moderate fever to very high fever, and a common cold rarely has a fever.
Learn about how COVID-19 shaped our understanding of viral outbreaks in A Detailed Insight on COVID-19 and how it affected India.

Body aches and Fatigue

H3N2 has the body go through very severe body aches and has fatigue almost every time, Flu Type B has a more laid back yet still uncomfortable amount of body aches and a bit of fatigue and the common cold has very mild amounts of body aches and fatigue.

Severity

H3N2 has a very large amount of severity focused around it due to the complications it has and may bring to the patient, the Flu Type B’s severity is at most times much less severe than H3N2’s but is still quite serious, and the common cold’s severity is almost non-existent and has no immediate severity around it.

At-Risk Population

H3N2’s target population mostly affects the Elderly and chronically ill, Flu Type B is more focused on teenagers and children, and the common cold affects everybody, no matter the condition or health of the individual.

Myths and Facts about the H3N2 flu

Myth – Flu is a bad cold

Fact – All types of flu, especially H3N2, are able to cause severe complications, hospitalization and even death in some cases.

Myth – Flu vaccines can give you the flu.

Fact – Within the flu vaccines are inactivated viruses and can therefore not cause any sort of flu.

Myth – You are only required to have the flu vaccine once your entire life.

Fact – The flu virus evolves and mutates every year, a vaccination at least once a year is needed.

Conclusion

H3N2 is considered to be one of the more serious health concerns that the world is worried about, but it can still be avoided through the proper ways to counteract it such as early detection of any potential symptoms, correct treatment for the flu, and even preventive measure taken at a medical center and at your house. Being on top of any potential outbreaks and having the proper hygiene necessary as well as receiving your annual flu shot are the most medically accurate ways to prevent the H3N2 flu into your body.
In case you feel that you are experiencing any of the symptoms that are related to the flu, try and contact the nearest healthcare facility immediately and let them know your conditions and symptoms. Through early interventions, you will be able to make a very quick recovery and prevent any potential complications from happening. Understand how preventive checkups can help catch complications early in Preventive Healthcare: A Game-Changer for India’s Health System.

 

 

Medical Disclaimer – The information that has been written is only to be used for educational purposes. There has been no information presented by this website, be it tests, images and graphics, which should be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor regarding any medical advice that may relate to your condition.