What is H3N2 infection ?

The H3N2 infection (respiratory infection) is brought on by the influenza virus. Both animals and birds can contract the virus. It has undergone several strains of mutation in birds and other animals especially pig. H3N2 is a type of Influenza A virus usually leading to localised infections. It usually circulates in pigs but when found in humans it is called a variant virus. According to the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization, a virus which has undergone significant mutation is a potential agent for human to human transmission leading to uncontrolled replication and spread.

Symptoms of H3N2 infection

As per WHO, pig and other zoonotic flu contaminations in people might cause illness going from gentle upper respiratory disease (fever and cough) to fast spread to serious pneumonia sometimes, intense respiratory pain disorder, shock and even demise. Symptoms of H3N2 infection are:

• Chills
• Fever
• Uneasiness
• Cough/cold/blocked nose/runny nose
• Throat pain/sore throat
• Muscle and body aches
• Wheezing

In the event that an individual encounters trouble in breathing, reduction in oxygen levels or distress in chest, nonstop fever, seeing a doctor is vital. This is more important for people with comorbidities like Diabetes, Hypertension, Cardiac, kidney or lung diseases. Extremes of age and pregnant ladies also need special attention.
The incredibly infectious H3N2 flu can spread from one individual onto the next through droplets of sputum which are thrown out of our mouth and nose while coughing, sneezing or talking loudly by an infected person. It can likewise spread when we touch contaminated surfaces with our hands and these soiled hands are then touched on eyes, mouth and nose areas of face.

In this way, specialists say following a few protocols are vital:

• Consistently clean up hands with water and soap or hand sanitiser
• Wear facial coverings and keep away from infected persons (At least 1 m distance)
• Try not to contact your nose and mouth
• Cover your nose and mouth appropriately while coughing and sneezing either with cloth or bend of elbow
• Remain hydrated and consume a lot of liquids
• In the event of fever and body-ache, take paracetamol
• Drink warm liquids
• Take your prescribed medication on time
• Flu is treatable especially in first 48 hours with an antiviral agent
• Flu is even preventable with a Flu vaccine which needs at least 2-4 weeks for development of immunity. Flu is preventable in people who are exposed to an infected person by taking antiviral
• Any antiviral/vaccination should be taken in strict consultation/supervision of a doctor
• Avoid taking unnecessary antibiotics which are not useful for viruses