Following H1N1, H3N2 is the most common subtype of the Influenza A virus. The H1N1 strains were discovered in humans both during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic and the 2009 swine flu epidemic. When the Hong Kong flu pandemic, the third influenza pandemic of the 20th century, broke out globally in 1968, H3N2 was first identified. The influenza A subtype H2N2 that caused the 1957 pandemic flu virus is thought to have given birth to H3N2 after an antigenic shift, which occurs when a virus undergoes genetic mutation and evolves.
Symptoms of H3N2 Influenza
These are some typical H3N2 virus symptoms, including
- coughing
- aches in the body and muscles
- fever
- chills
- nausea
- vomiting
- runny nose
- sore throat
- diarrhea (in some cases)
Whom does it affect?
Some people are more likely to have the flu's numerous consequences, so they should consult a doctor as soon as they feel they may have the illness. They consist of the following groups:
- People over the age of 65.
- Expecting mothers.
- Young children younger than two years old.
- Those who suffer from long-term illnesses including diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, and cardiac failure.
- Those who've previously suffered a stroke.
- People whose immune systems have previously been compromised.
Treatment of H3N2 Influenza
Primary care to treat the influenza symptoms A viral variation consists of:
- Sufficient hydration all day long.
- Light, easily digestible meals.
- Use of drugs such as analgesics and anti-inflammatories.
- Use of antiviral drugs like Oseltamivir or Zanamivir to inhibit the growth and proliferation of virus cells.
- A cup of warm water with a teaspoon of salt added can be gargled to help with sore throat discomfort relief.
- Warm towels or heat packs should be applied by patients to ease muscle pain.
Prevention of H3N2 Influenza
The best defense against seasonal influenza infection is vaccination. An influenza vaccine works best when the viruses it contains closely match the viruses that are already circulating.
Wearing masks, staying away from crowded areas, covering your mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing, avoiding touching your eyes or nose, especially after touching an external surface, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking paracetamol for fever and body aches can all help prevent H3N2 infection.
Also, people must not shake hands, spit in public, eat together while seated close to others, or take antibiotics or other medications without first consulting a healthcare provider.
Read About Childhood Cancer, its types, and symptoms
H3N2 Vs H1N1
In terms of fever, leukopenia, and C-reactive protein, Influenza A H3N2 infection is more serious than A H1N1 or B infection. Another difference between H1N1 and H3N2 is that H1N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus that contains the Main Surface Proteins known as H1 (hemagglutinin1) and N1 (neuraminidase1), whereas H3N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus and contains the main surface proteins known as H3 (hemagglutinin3) and N2 (neuraminidase2).
