Understanding H3N2 Influenza: What You Need to Know

India has recently witnessed an outbreak of the H3N2 influenza virus, with two deaths reported in Haryana and Karnataka. This sub-type of the Influenza A virus has caused concern among the masses and has led to the reporting of 90 cases of flu across the country. The virus has caused several influenza outbreaks in the past and its prevalence is influenced by the change in weather from extremely cold to warm.

What is H3N2 virus?

H3N2 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus and causes respiratory infections. It can also infect birds and mammals, mutating into many strains. The virus is highly contagious and can spread rapidly from one person to another through droplets released when coughing, sneezing, or talking by an infected individual. It can also spread if someone touches their mouth or nose after contacting a surface that has the virus on it.

Symptoms of H3N2 virus
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the symptoms of avian, swine, and other zoonotic influenza infections in humans may vary from mild upper respiratory infection, such as fever and cough, to rapid progression to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, and even death. Common symptoms of H3N2 virus include chills, coughing, fever, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, muscle and body ache, and in some cases, diarrhea, sneezing, and runny nose.

Precautions to be taken

Since the virus attacks the respiratory tract, it is crucial to take precautions such as regularly washing your hands with water and soap, wearing face masks, avoiding crowded areas, avoiding touching your nose and mouth, covering your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing, staying hydrated, and consuming plenty of fluids. It is also essential to keep checking the oxygen level continuously with the help of Pulse Oximeter, and if the oxygen saturation level is less than 95 per cent, a visit to the doctor is mandatory. It is crucial to avoid spitting in public areas, using contact-based greetings such as shaking hands, self-medicating, taking antibiotics or any other medications without consulting a doctor, and eating while seated next to other people.

What are the treatment options?

Proper rest, drinking lots of fluids, and using over-the-counter painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower fever are part of the H3N2 influenza treatment regimen. If a patient has severe symptoms or is at a high risk of problems, a doctor may also recommend antiviral drugs such as oseltamivir and zanamivir. In suspected and confirmed cases, neuraminidase inhibitors should be prescribed as soon as possible (ideally, within 48 hours following symptom onset) to maximize therapeutic benefits.

Latest News on H3N2 virus outbreak in India

India has recorded two deaths due to the H3N2 influenza virus, causing concern among the masses. The Union government has addressed the nation and assured that the threat from H3N2 is likely to decline significantly from March-end. The health department officials confirmed that the patient has tested positive for H3N2 in January this year. According to the latest data available on IDSP-IHIP (Integrated Health Information Platform), 3,038 laboratory-confirmed cases of various subtypes of influenza, including H3N2, have been reported till March 9 by states.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is tracking and keeping a close watch on morbidity and mortality due to the H3N2 subtype of the seasonal influenza. The health department has predicted that cases are expected to decline from the end of March