H3N2 Virus Attacking Kids Archives

Colds, flu and fever are the first illnesses to show up when the weather and climate change. H3N2 is one Influenza that has received a lot of recent attention. H3N2 is a non-human Influenza that normally circulates in pigs but can infect humans. The viruses known as “swine influenza viruses” commonly affect pigs. They are known as “variant” viruses when they affect people. A few reasons why H3N2 is spreading in India include low vaccination rates (for the flu vaccine) and high pollution. India experiences two peak flu seasons: one from November to February and one throughout the monsoon season. According to current research, H3N2 infects and harms persons over the age of 65 as well as children under the age of 5 years.

How Can You Catch H3N2 Flu?

H3N2 flu is spread and contagious through droplet infections like COVID-19 and other several seasonal flu. You can catch the virus by coming in touch with an infected surface and touching your eyes, face or mouth immediately. When you come into contact with an infected person, you run the risk of being sick as well. Once your symptoms flourish, they may last up to 5 or 7 days.

Symptoms of H3N2 Flu

Infection with the H3N2 virus typically lasts between five and seven days, although it can sometimes result in a severe cough that lasts up to three weeks. The symptoms of H3N2 flu are equivalent to other seasonal flu and include:

Headache
Stuffy or runny nose
Chills
Sore throat with cough
Fever
Body ache
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Vomiting
Minor congestion

How is H3N2 Flu Diagnosed?

If you suspect that you have H3N2, you should contact your healthcare provider for an evaluation. They might ask for an RT-PCR test to confirm the diagnosis. This test entails collecting a sample from your nose or throat and checking it for the flu virus. Dr. Sheetu Singh can diagnose the H3N2 flu due to common symptoms with other flu, they may recommend patients undergo lab tests to rule out any other illnesses common during the season.

How is H3N2 Flu Treated?

The treatment for H3N2 flu depends upon the individual’s severity and symptoms. H3N2 cases that aren’t difficult are handled the same as any other seasonal flu:

Drinking enough fluids (soups, juice, water) to stay hydrated
Getting plenty of rest
Taking over-the-counter medications to help relieve headache, fever and body pain

In some cases of H3N2, Antivirals like Baloxavir, Oseltamivir and Peramivir may be given. Antiviral drugs can reduce the length of the flu and avoid complications when taken within 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. If you fit one of the following high-risk groups, get immediate medical attention:

Children under 5 years of age
Adults over 65 years of age
Pregnant women
Individuals with chronic medical conditions like pneumonia, asthma, diabetes, weakened immune system or heart disease.

Is There A Vaccine For H3N2 Flu?

Flu shots protect the general population from serious illnesses and their symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no specific vaccine to protect against H3N2 flu. The annual flu shot offers defense against three to four influenza virus strains (hence the terms trivalent or quadrivalent). However, these flu vaccines protect you more from the HIN1 viruses and influenza B viruses than the H3N2 viruses. Due to the H3N2 viruses’ propensity for genetic changes, which occur more frequently than those of other viruses, vaccination is less efficient in protecting against them.

What is the Outlook of H3N2 Flu After Treatment

Despite the rising cases of H3N2 flu, most people can recover at home with or without treatment from their physicians. The flu symptoms last for about a week or two, although a cough and fatigue may persist for an additional two weeks. The following signs may necessitate that you seek immediate treatment:

Pressure or pain in the chest
Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Worsening of existing symptoms

Can H3N2 Flu Be Prevented?

Despite the lack of an H3N2-specific vaccination, we may still safeguard our loved ones and ourselves by taking the following precautions:

Get a flu vaccination every year, preferably before winter arrives
Wash your hands frequently with water and soap, especially after using the washroom, before touching and eating your mouth, face and eyes
Wear a mask when going in a poorly ventilated indoor space or a crowded area
During flu season, stay away from busy areas where the infection can swiftly spread
Avoid interacting with sick people.
Avoid taking Antibiotics without your doctor’s prescription

The H3N2 flu is a dangerous viral infection that can have substantial consequences for morbidity and death, especially in populations that are already at risk, such as the elderly and small children. You should stay home if you have the H3N2 flu to stop the virus from spreading. Following the fever’s resolution, it is advised to remain at home for at least 24 hours.

Doctors warn that because the H3N2 Virus is attacking kids and the elderly, it is essential to re-enforce Covid guidelines like wearing masks, social separation, and other pandemic-era rules. Many youngsters and the elderly get infected with this virus and recover in 10 to 12 days. According to health professionals, 7% of youngsters are admitted to ICUs. The virus is classified as a flu virus, but its effect is similar to a corona, in that it causes fever and damage to the lungs. H3N2 is a strain of the common flu, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). According to WHO, seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that circulate around the world. They are divided into several subtypes. Humans are now infected with influenza viruses of Subtypes A (H1N1) and A (H3N2).

What Is The H3N2 virus?

Rajasthan Hospital’s Dr. Sheetu Singh stated: “we discharged one patient (38 years old) after a month since both of her lungs had become white due to a severe illness. She was placed on a respirator for ten days. She arrived with pneumonia, fever, and a cough.”

What Are The Signs And Symptoms

According to WHO, common symptoms of seasonal influenza include a rapid fever, a cough (typically dry), a headache, muscle, and joint discomfort, a sore throat, and a runny nose. The cough can persist for two weeks or more, depending on the severity. Most people recover from fever and other symptoms without the need for medical attention within a week. Those with comorbidities, on the other hand, can suffer from severe sickness or even death from influenza.

How Does It Spread?

Seasonal influenza, according to the WHO, spreads quickly. Crowds increase the likelihood of the spread. The virus spreads when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Droplets containing viruses that come out of the nose or mouth are distributed into the air and can affect people up to a meter distant as well as those in close proximity.

The H3N2 Virus spreads from infected pigs to people via infectious droplets spat by the pig while coughing or sneezing. In the same way, this virus spreads through humans.

How Can It Be Prevented?

Vaccination is the most effective strategy to stop the spread. Vaccines that are both reliable and efficacious have been in use for more than six decades. Also, people who are not in the high-risk group are recommended to limit their interactions with others. Face masks and frequent hand washing are recommended to avoid spread. Those who are at high risk should seek emergency medical attention. It is recommended to keep a close eye on the patient’s health and to seek medical guidance if the patient’s condition worsens. Most importantly, medical professionals warn against self-medication.

Advice From Medical Experts

Hand washing and drying should be done on a regular basis.
Covering one’s nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing is an example of good respiratory hygiene.
Those who are unwell or have flu symptoms should be isolated as soon as possible.
Avoid contact with infected people.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.

H3N2 Flu: Symptoms, Treatment, Outlook and Prevention