H3N2 Influenza Virus: All FAQs Answered By Experts

THE DRASTIC effects of the coronavirus pandemic are yet to fade away. Amid the recovery process, a new virus, named H3N2, has prompted authorities to raise an alarm over its spread. Since the past few months, cases of cold and cough across the country including Delhi-NCR are rising. Several cases of the H3N2 virus have also been reported from some parts of the country including Karnataka and Haryana.

A death has also been reported due to the H3N2 virus in Karnataka's Hassan where an 82-year-old man died due to influenza on March 1. Health experts have warned that this H3N2 virus could severely affect children, the elderly and people who have some sort of illness. Experts have advised using a face mask to prevent the spread of the H3N2 virus.

To get more information about the H3N2 Virus, Jagran Prime spoke to many big doctors and researchers of the country including Dr Randeep Guleria, former director of AIIMS, Dr Sahajanand Prasad Singh, National President of Indian Medical Association, Dr Raj Kumar, Director of Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, Dr Narendra Saini, Chairman, Scientific Committee, Delhi Medical Association and Professor Rupesh Chaturvedi, Department of Biotechnology, JNU.

What is H3N2?

H3N2 is a non-human influenza virus. It usually spreads in pigs and has reached humans from them. The most commonly circulating viruses in pigs are called "swine influenza virus". When these viruses infect humans, they are called "variant" viruses. A specific H3N2 virus was detected in 2011 with avian, swine, and H1N1 pandemic viruses. The virus was circulating in pigs since 2010 and was first detected in humans in the US in 2011.

Where did the H3N2 virus come from?

H3N2 is a variant of the influenza virus itself. Originally it came from pigs. An (H1N1) virus caused a terrible pandemic in 1918. Lakhs of people had lost their lives due to this. The circulating strain of that virus is now H3N2.

What are the symptoms of H3N2 virus infection?

Symptoms of H3N2 infection are similar to those of the seasonal flu virus and may include fever and respiratory symptoms, such as cough, runny nose, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or sometimes diarrhoea. In many cases, severe chills, high fever, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and muscle and body aches are also reported.

Why the concern about H3N2?

The H3N2 virus can sometimes cause severe illness even in healthy people. The progression of this infection can lead to pneumonia. This can worsen and you may need to be admitted to the hospital. Sometimes death can also result from this infection.

Who is most vulnerable to the H3N2 Virus?

According to experts, it is most dangerous for children, the elderly and those who already have a disease. A study by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that children born after 2001 (age 9 years in 2010) have little or no immunity against the H3N2 virus. In such a situation, their difficulties may increase. However, experts believe that the situation is different in India.

In how many days does the fever go down after the H3N2 virus infection?

According to the IMA, the symptoms of infection with this virus can persist for five to seven days. The fever caused by H3N2 subsides in three days. But the cough persists for more than three weeks.

How is H3N2 influenza virus infection diagnosed?

It is difficult to detect the infection of this virus by seeing some symptoms. Blood samples and some other tests are done in the lab to detect this virus. It is only from these tests that it is known whether an H3N2 infection has occurred or there is some other disease.

When does the patient need to be taken to the hospital after infection?

In most of cases, the patient recovers by taking medicines for normal fever and symptoms. But if there is a problem in breathing, and the oxygen level is low, then it becomes necessary to take the patient to the hospital. If you eat antibiotics without a doctor's advice, then the risk is high. In some cases, it can also become fatal.

How to prevent H3N2 influenza virus infection?

According to doctors, to avoid this virus, you should wash your hands regularly with soap. Keep sanitiser with you and use it. Avoid coming in contact with a person who is ill. If you are sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth as viral infections spread quickly. Avoid touching eyes and face repeatedly. If you are going to a crowded place then do wear a mask.

Is H3N2 dangerous?

Currently, H3N2 infection is similar to seasonal flu. Be aware that seasonal influenza can also be a serious illness. Sometimes seasonal influenza can cause complications (such as pneumonia). This can lead to hospitalization and even death.

Is there a vaccine for H3N2?

Initial steps have been taken to create a vaccine against H3N2. Experts believe that if you have been vaccinated against any variant of the influenza virus, you will get some immunity.

Will this season's flu vaccine protect me from H3N2?

The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against H3N2. Seasonal flu vaccines protect against the seasonal influenza virus. The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that every person should get the seasonal flu vaccine every year. Taking this vaccine will provide some relief during the H3N2 infection.

In which season H3N2 virus spreads the most?

It is common to have a seasonal cold or cough during the period from October to February due to influenza and other viruses. H3N2 virus infection also increases during this period.

Which age group need to be more careful?

According to the advisory issued by the IMA, it mostly occurs in people above 50 years of age and below 15 years of age. In such a situation, these people need to be more careful.

Does air pollution also have a role in increasing H3N2 virus infection?

H3N2 virus infection directly affects your breathing system. It affects the upper respiratory system. When air pollution is high, the chances of getting an infection in the upper respiratory system increase.