The emergence of H3N2 flu in India has left at least two people dead, according to the health department in the country. The outcome of this virus is causing severe illness in young children and older persons. Many of us do not have an exact idea about this variation of Swine flu.
First of all, H3N2 is not swine flu it’s a version of swine flu.
What is H3N2?
The “Hong Kong flu” is another name for the H3N2 virus. The influenza virus A, plays an important part and is
the ultimate major contributor to human influenza and causes respiratory infections, including the subtype H3N2. Hemagglutinin(H) and neuraminidase(N), two types of proteins that are present on the surface of its coat, are the
sources of its name.
According to WHO, H3N2 is a subtype of Influenza A virus which majorly affects humans. A report by the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC), this virus was first identified in pigs in the US in 2010.
Later in 2012, 12 infections were detected in humans followed by several H3N2 outbreaks in the same year.
SYMPTOMS OF H3N2 – Influenza
Symptoms of H3N2 are generally as same as other forms of the flu. H3N2 majorly impacts the respiratory system. This virus not only impacts the human but also birds and mammals. A drastic change in the weather from extremely cold to hot leads to the spread of this virus rapidly.
According to the CDC, those can include:
Fever or feeling feverish
Feeling cold
Cough
Sore throat
Running or stuffy nose
Body aches
Headaches
Fatigues
Vomiting and diarrhea
Muscles stiffness
These are symptoms are very much similar to the normal flu, so as H3N2 is spreading in many areas of India. So it is an urge and request to all not to ignore these symptoms and seek the medical attention as soon as
possible.
In extreme cases, the infected person may experience difficulty in breathing, pain or discomfort in the chest, difficulty in eating and swallowing food, and fever.
HOW IT SPREADS?
An H3N2 influenza is a contagious form of the virus means it can easily transmit from one person to another by the medium of air. Expecting women, young children, adults, and persons with medical issues are at a higher risk of flu.
H3N2 Influenza Virus: Treatment
As part of the H3N2 flu treatment plan Doctor suggested –
Proper rest should be taken, avoid exertion
Drink plenty of water
Use Pain killers to reduce body aches
Use masks and avoid going to public areas as it is a contiguous virus.
Antiviral medicines are also suggested by the doctor
Seasonal flu vaccination is also recommended to avoid contact.
WHO recommends that neuraminidase inhibitors are prescribed as soon as possible (ideally, within 48 hours of symptom onset) in suspected and confirmed cases to maximize therapeutic benefits.
Meanwhile, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged physicians to avoid giving patients antibiotics before determining whether the infection is bacterial because doing so can cause resistance to develop.
Most cases of fever, cough, sore throat and body aches right now are caused by influenza, which doesn’t require antibiotics.
Some Dos and Dont’s for the H3N2 influenza Virus are:
Dos:
Regularly wash your hands with soap and water.
Avoid crowded areas; wearing a mask is
recommended.
Cover your mouth while sneezing
Avoid contact with people if you are already infected
with the virus.
Keep yourself hydrated.
Use Dolo/ paracetamol if you have a fever and body
aches.
Don’ts:
Touch your mouth and face.
Do not spit in the open area
Do not shakehand
The Momma Clan 
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