According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), there has been a recent increase in severe coughing cases lasting more than a week accompanied by fever in the country. The cause is believed to be the H3N2 influenza virus. Additionally, India has reported two fatalities due to this strain of influenza.
What You Need to Know About the H3N2 Influenza Virus
This raises concerns about whether H3N2 influenza could escalate into an epidemic and threaten public health.
Dr. Nikhil Modi, Consultant in Critical Care and Respiratory Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, stated: “It is time to rebuild our preventive measures post-COVID as we increasingly have to coexist with evolving viruses“. However, he also mentioned that there is no need to panic and emphasized avoiding the indiscriminate use of medications, especially antibiotics.
1. Understanding H3N2 Influenza
Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, which include influenza A, B, C, and D. Influenza A, B, and C can infect humans. However, only influenza A and B cause seasonal epidemics.
Influenza A viruses are classified into different subtypes based on two proteins found on the virus surface: 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 categorized by both HA and NA subtypes, including H3N2.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States, H3N2 caused the 1968 influenza pandemic, leading to approximately 1 million deaths worldwide and about 100,000 in the United States.
H3N2 is a type of influenza A virus and spreads rapidly. (Image: Internet).
2. Are the Symptoms of H3N2 Influenza Different?
The symptoms caused by H3N2 are similar to those caused by other seasonal influenza viruses. Symptoms usually appear suddenly and may include:
Cough
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Body aches
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Symptoms of H3N2 influenza are similar to regular seasonal flu. (Image: Internet).
According to the Indian Medical Association (IMA), infections caused by H3N2 typically last from 5 to 7 days, and the fever usually subsides after 3 days. However, the cough may last up to 3 weeks.
3. Is H3N2 Influenza Dangerous?
Compared to other seasonal influenza strains, H3N2 can cause more severe illness, particularly in high-risk groups such as children under 5 years old, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions. Studies have not yet precisely determined why this is the case, but a trend has been observed between H3 influenza strains and the severity of this strain.
Individuals with chronic illnesses, such as asthma, should be especially cautious as this strain can cause severe breathing difficulties and trigger asthma attacks.
Like other influenza strains, H3N2 can lead to complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, and Reye syndrome.
H3N2 influenza can be more severe. (Image: Internet).
4. Treatment for H3N2 Influenza
Treatment for influenza without complications primarily focuses on symptom management, such as:
- Rest and proper nutrition, especially increasing intake of vitamin C and zinc-rich foods.
- Staying hydrated and replenishing electrolytes.
- Using over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms like fever, headache, and body aches.
Additionally, when treating H3N2 influenza, consider the following:
- If antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), are used, consult a doctor. Antiviral medications can help shorten the duration of illness and prevent complications from developing, but they can also be harmful if used incorrectly.
- Antibiotics are ineffective in treating viral infections, so they do not work for influenza. Antibiotics are only prescribed if the influenza patient develops complications related to bacterial infections.
Treatment for influenza typically focuses on symptomatic relief such as reducing fever, cough, headache, and body aches. (Image: Internet).
5. Preventive Measures for H3N2 Influenza
H3N2 influenza spreads easily through droplets or by touching contaminated surfaces. You can take the following steps to prevent influenza infection:
- Get an annual flu vaccine, especially for children under 5 years old, individuals over 65, pregnant women, and those with certain chronic diseases (such as asthma, lung diseases, diabetes, heart disease, and immunocompromised conditions).
While the vaccine may not fully protect you from influenza, it can prevent complications and reduce the severity of the illness, lowering the risk of hospitalization. It is advisable to visit a vaccination center for more information on the appropriate vaccine.
- Wash your hands frequently, especially after using the restroom, before eating, and before touching your face, nose, or mouth.
- If possible, avoid crowded places where influenza can easily spread, or wear a mask when going out.
- Avoid contact with individuals showing symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose.
- If you have influenza, you can prevent spreading it to others by staying home for 24 hours after your fever subsides and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
It can be said that the H3N2 strain tends to cause more severe illness, but mild cases can still be treated at home. However, influenza can escalate into an epidemic and threaten public health, especially for those with weakened immune systems. Therefore, proactive prevention measures are essential to protect health.
