H3N2 Influenza Virus (Type A): Symptoms, Transmission & Treatment

One of the subtypes of Influenza A virus is H3N2 and it is otherwise called Type A. It is one of the most occurring causes of the common flu. This H3N2 virus can be transmitted between people very easily through droplets remaining in the air while sneezing or coughing.

Just like the H1N1 subtypes of influenza, H3N2 virus also triggers the flu symptoms like headache, fever and nasal congestion. Make sure that you have to drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and it helps to wash out the virus from your body. Sometimes, people need medication to manage these symptoms, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen

The other subtype of Influenza type A virus is H2N3. This virus does not cause flu symptoms in people because this virus is usually found in animals like birds and mammals. Hence, it is the same like that your symptoms are related to the H3N2 or H1N1 viruses.

Symptoms of H3N2

The H3N2 influenza virus has the same symptoms as the H1N1 influenza virus. Some symptoms are:

  • High fever, over 38ºC (or 100.4ºF)
  • Body aches
  • Sore throat
  • Headaches
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Runny nose
  • Chills
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhoea, (especially for children, frequent times)
  • Muscle weakness

This H3N2 virus is mostly identified in children and older adults above the age of 65. And it can also frequently infect pregnant women and more recently who are facing postpartum women more frequently. And most importantly, this virus affects the people who are having low immunity or who have chronic diseases.

Transmission of H3N2

This virus transmission can happen very easily. While the infected person coughs, speaks, or sneezes, the virus presents in the droplets that remain in the air which affects the other people who are inhaling that air. The other type of transmission is through direct or indirect contact of infected objects.

H2N3 Vs H3N2

These both viruses come under the subtypes of the Influenza A virus. But these two H2N3 and H3N2 viruses are not the same type because they usually hit different types of populations like H2N3 (animals) and H3N2 (People). The H3N2 virus type is solely found in people but H2N3  is solely found in animals and most importantly is not associated with any other infections affects in the people.

Diagnosis of H3N2

It’s very impossible to identify whether the person has the flu just by observing the physical symptoms. Because the flu has some common symptoms with other respiratory illnesses, such as the cold. This is the main drawback of not identifying them by seeing their physical symptoms.

The healthcare provider will perform a lab test to confirming that whether you have the flu or some other usual cold symptoms. But your doctors usually perform this test during the flu seasons. For example, if you experience flu-like symptoms during flu season like months of October to May, they may diagnose you with flu without the help of a laboratory test.

Treatment options

Usually doctors recommend some treatments that usually aim to relieve symptoms of H3N2 virus.

The following can be recommended by you:

  • More Rest
  • Adequate hydration throughout the day (Drink more water)
  • Take light meals each time that are easy to digestible
  • You can use medications like analgesics (e.g. acetaminophen) and anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen)
  • You can also use anti-viral medication, in some cases, it helps to decrease the development and growth of viral cells, like Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) or Relenza (Zanamivir). These medications are only taken after the doctor’s advice.

You should remain in isolation for about 7 to 10 days to avoid transmission of H3N2, when you are infected by H3N2.

Prevention

For all types of people, commonly all of them say that you should avoid direct contact with flu-like symptoms. Especially, if any one of you is affected by H3N2 infection, infected people should remain in isolation for 7 to 10 days, so that we can avoid transmission of this virus to others. In addition to that, all of them should use a face mask and make sure that you have frequent hand hygiene. 

And more importantly, try to avoid staying inside closed rooms with too many people. Doctors recommend that you should avoid bringing your hands to your eyes and mouth. And also advised you to avoid staying very close to the person who is infected.

Other methods of preventing transmission of this virus include getting the flu vaccine which is usually available all year. These flu vaccines protect you against the H1N1, H3N2 and Influenza B viruses. All ages should receive the vaccine but more importantly these vaccines should be taken particularly by children and older adults, because these viruses usually come more common in these groups. The flu vaccine must be taken every year because every year the power of the virus mutates rapidly and it can become resistant to previous vaccines.

Some tips to be follow:

  • To avoid contracting the virus, Wash and clean your hands frequently. You can use hand sanitiser which is based on alcohol.
  • Whenever you sneeze, cover your mouth by a handkerchief, tissue or your elbow
  • Try to avoid touching your face, which includes your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Clean the surfaces where you spend more time to avoid picking up the virus from it and spreading it.
  • Always avoid crowded places because this leads to high risk of being exposed to the flu.
  • People like pregnant women, kids, and people with underlying diseases should be more careful of the virus.
  • Never take self-medication, and you should only take antibiotics which are recommended by a doctor.
  • Always avoid greetings by shaking hands or any other type of contact during flu season.
  • You do not spit in public because it spreads through air.
  • You shouldn’t sit too close to others while eating.
  • Try to drink a lot of fluids like water or some veggie broths or non veg broths.
  • Always wear a face mask, especially in crowded places.

Outlook for H3N2

If you come under the group of getting high risk for complications from flu, you should make sure to see your doctor if you are facing flu symptoms.

Symptoms that can signal you an emergency prompt of medical attention which includes:

  • Whenever you feel short of breath or having some trouble breathing issues
  • Severe pain or more pressure in your chest or abdomen area
  • Sudden dizziness
  • Severe vomiting or nausea
  • Anxiety feelings of confusion
  • Symptoms of worsened cough and fever

Location: India

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