Its All about H3N2 virus
masking up and practicing social distancing
Last week, India's Health Ministry confirmed that two people have died from the H3N2 subtype of seasonal influenza, and there have been 451 confirmed cases of H3N2 across the country so far this year, according to a countrywide surveillance.
The Ministry noted that India typically experiences two peaks of seasonal influenza each year, one from January to March and the other in the post-monsoon season. They expect the number of cases to decrease towards the end of March.
What is influenza:
The influenza A virus causes seasonal flu in humans and is classified into subtypes based on two surface proteins, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).
While there are 18 H-subtypes and 11 N-subtypes, more than 130 subtype combinations of influenza A have been identified in nature.
The H3N2 subtype, according to India's Ministry of Health and Welfare, leads to more hospitalizations than other subtypes.
Surveillance data collected between December 15, 2022, and March 10, 2023, showed that around half of all severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) requiring inpatient care and outpatient illnesses with flu-like symptoms were caused by H3N2 infections.
Out of the SARI patients infected with H3N2, 10% required oxygen, and 7% required ICU support.
H3N2 Influenza A Virus Symptoms and Risks
The H3N2 subtype of influenza A virus causes symptoms that are similar to COVID-19, including fever, cough, body aches, breathlessness, wheezing, and pneumonia.
The illness can also lead to a severe cough that can persist for two or more weeks, although most patients recover without medical intervention within a week.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), certain groups of people are at a higher risk of developing a severe form of flu, including those with chronic medical conditions such as cardiac, pulmonary, renal, metabolic, neurodevelopmental, liver, or hematologic diseases, and individuals with immunosuppressive conditions such as HIV/AIDS, receiving chemotherapy or steroids, or with malignancy. Pregnant women, children under five years of age, and the elderly are also at greater risk.
Is curable?
The Health Ministry has stated that oseltamivir (tamiflu) is the recommended treatment for H3N2 infection according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The drug is accessible free of charge through public health systems.
The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 permits the sale of oseltamivir in India under Schedule H1.
Precautions to be taken:
Experts suggest that washing hands thoroughly with soap and water is the most effective way to prevent H3N2 infection.
The government has advised citizens to wear masks and practice social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus.
In addition to these measures, covering the mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing, avoiding touching the eyes and nose, and staying hydrated by drinking fluids are also recommended by the Health Ministry in a press release.
The ministry warns against taking antibiotics or any other medication without consulting a doctor.
Difference between COVID 19 and H3N2:
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, while H3N2 is a type of influenza A virus that has been circulating among humans for many years.
There are several differences between COVID-19 and H3N2, including their modes of transmission, symptoms, and severity. COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.
In contrast, H3N2 is also spread through respiratory droplets but can also be transmitted by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching one's mouth, nose, or eyes.
The symptoms of COVID-19 and H3N2 can be similar, including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. However, COVID-19 can also cause loss of taste or smell, while H3N2 can cause muscle aches and fatigue.
COVID-19 can be more severe than H3N2 in some cases, especially in older adults and those with underlying health conditions. COVID-19 has also been associated with long-term health complications, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and brain fog, in some people even after they have recovered from the acute illness.
It is important to note that both COVID-19 and H3N2 can be prevented by practicing good hygiene habits, such as washing hands frequently, wearing masks, and staying home when sick.
Additionally, vaccination is available for H3N2, and COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and are being distributed worldwide.
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