H3N2 Virus: Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Q: Which is more severe, H1N1 or H3N2?

Symptomatically, H3N2 is more severe , with fever, leukopenia, and reactive proteins. Whereas general headache, fever, and sore throat symptoms are similar to those of the H1N1 virus.

The flu is a respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus. Influenza viruses are of 4 types: A, B, C, and D, whereas viruses A and B are responsible for seasonal respiratory illness, which occurs every year.

Influenza virus A is further divided into subtypes according to their structures. There are two types of proteins present on the surface of viruses: hemaglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). HA has a further 18 types, i.e., H1 to H18, and NA has 11 types, N1 to N11.

Table of Contents

H3n2 virus

H3N2 is a subtype of influenza virus A, also known as the H3N2v virus. This influenza is an acute respiratory infection spread through droplets from person to person.

H3N2 virus symptoms

The symptoms of the H3N2 flu virus are nearly the same as other flu viruses. Symptoms of this flu include:

High fever
Cough
Runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Headache
Body pain
Chills
Diarrhoea

Related: How to Cure a Cold Fast

How is H3N2 treated?

Treatment of H3N2 flu is nearly the same as other seasonal flu. This includes medicine and some lifestyles:

You should get proper rest.
Drink enough water or any fluid.
Over-the-counter medication relieves the symptoms like fever, cough, and body pains.

Related: Foods for a Cold

Diagnosis of H3N2 virus

The primary symptoms of H3N2 influenza are cold, cough, and fever. Therefore, just by observing the symptoms, we cannot detect it as the flu.

Human influenza caused by the H3N2 virus is easily clinically diagnosed. A laboratory test can be done on throat, nasal, and nasopharyngeal secretions.

Prevention of the H3N2 virus

According to the WHO, the safest and most effective way to prevent any seasonal influenza is vaccination. The influenza vaccine provides protection even if the circulating virus does not match the vaccine virus.

For older people, the vaccine may not be as effective as it is for adults, but the severity may be reduced.

Maintaining personal hygiene is the most important step in the prevention of any viral infection. Wearing a mask, using hand sanitizer, or following other COVID protocols, which we followed, will be helpful for the prevention of this influenza virus.

In this video, the doctor explains the prevention of the H3N2 virus.

How long does it take to recover from H3N2?

Symptoms may go away within a week or two, but coughing and tiredness may last for a couple of weeks.

The disease may get severe for low immunity people and older people. And takes time to recover.

Related: Home Remedies for the Cold

What causes the H3N2 virus?

H3N2 causes infection through droplets. When a person suffering from this flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks, a droplet can be spread from one person to another.

Is the H3N2 flu serious?

Generally, H3N2 can be cured as it resembles seasonal flu, but complications may be seen in pregnant women, young children, old people, and people with some medical conditions.

Don’t forget that seasonal flu may be serious; in some cases, it may lead to complicated respiratory diseases like pneumonia and even death.

How is H3N2 transmitted?

H3N2 flu can be transmitted through droplets emitted from coughing, sneezing, and talking by a person suffering from this flu.

There is evidence that transmitting may be done by touching something that has a virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose.

Another possible way to transmit the virus is if you inhale particles containing the H3N2 virus.

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FAQ’s

Does the flu vaccine protect against H3N2?

No, the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the H3N2 virus.

Which is more severe, H1N1 or H3N2?

Symptomatically, H3N2 is more severe, with fever, leukopenia, and reactive proteins. Whereas general headache, fever, and sore throat symptoms are similar to those of the H1N1 virus.

Is H3N2 related to H1N1?

Both H3N2 and H1N1 are subtypes of the influenza A virus. But the symptoms and severity may be different between these two viruses.

Conclusion

Most of the people who suffered from this flu can recover at home within a week. If the symptoms get severe, you may need special attention. Consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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