H3N2 Influenza Virus: H3N2 influenza virus is not new, know everything about it...

H3N2 Influenza Virus: The cases of H3N2 influenza virus are continuously increasing in the country. The Central Government, while advising to take precautions, also said that there is no need to panic.

There are four types of seasonal influenza viruses – A, B, C, and D. Out of which influenza virus-A and B cause seasonal infection of flu. These become the cause of respiratory illness, which occurs every year. Influenza-A subtypes H1N1, also known as swine flu, and H3N2 can cause serious illness. Experts say that for people whose age is above 50 and whose age less than 15, it is easy for them to fall prey to this virus. Also, air pollution makes the infection more dangerous.

Only the influenza type-A virus has so far caused pandemics. The H3N2 subtype evolved from the H2N2 virus that caused the 1968–69 pandemic in Hong Kong. Since then H3N2 influenza has undergone rapid mutations and remains dominant during the flu season except during the COVID pandemic.

H3N2 is completely different from the Covid that first appeared in 2019, as it has been around for centuries. Also, Covid is caused by SARS CoV-2 virus, so H3N2 is a subtype of influenza virus.

What are the symptoms of the H3N2 influenza virus?
Seasonal influenza includes sudden onset of fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe malaise, sore throat, and runny nose. Cough can become severe and last for more than two weeks. By the way, fever, chills, cough, and cold are also common in H3N2 with covid. However, breathing problems are more common in Covid infection than H3N2.

What is the treatment for the H3N2 influenza virus?
People who get infected with this virus but do not fall in the high-risk group should consult a doctor for medicines. Also, they are advised to stay at home to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. It is used to treat symptoms like fever.

Vaccines are also available for influenza.
There is a vaccine available for seasonal influenza, which needs to be administered once a year. Also called a quadrivalent vaccine, it protects against the Victoria and Yamagata lineages, along with the H1N1 and H3N2 subtypes.