Symptoms and treatment of H3N2 virus that you must know!

H3N2 influenza virus is spreading rapidly throughout the country. Patients are complaining that its symptoms are flu-like and last for 5-7 days. So far, the main reason for its rapid spread has been found to be the sudden change in weather from extremely cold to hot. Please tell that two people have died in India due to H3N2 virus. Till now, 90 cases of this virus have been registered across the country.

What exactly is the H3N2 virus

H3N2 is a subtype of the Influenza A virus. Although its mortality rate is lower than that of COVID-19, the infection can cause significant morbidity and post-viral side effects. Influenza viruses that circulate in pigs have also been discovered in humans, and are called "variant" viruses. was found in humans. In 2010, these viruses were identified in pigs in the United States. In 2020, a study published in the journal Nature Communications found that the strain of the virus had changed significantly over the past five decades, as infants born in the late 1960s and 1970s became infected.

Symptoms of H3N2

Its symptoms are similar to common flu. Some common symptoms are as follows:

Fever

cough

body ache

Headache

sore throat

runny or stuffy nose

extreme exhaustion

In rare cases, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea have also been reported.

Let us tell you that H3N2 mostly lasts for five to seven days and the fever disappears after three days. A dry cough may persist for up to three weeks. Like other flu viruses, the age groups most susceptible to this virus are people who are below 15 years and above 65 years.

Treatment

Treatment is mainly symptomatic which includes taking proper rest, drinking plenty of fluids and medicines to bring down the fever. If a patient has some severe symptoms or is at high risk of complications, the doctor may also prescribe antiviral medications which should be started within the first 3 to 4 days of illness.

H3N2 Do's and Don'ts

Tell that, to avoid infection, the government advises to follow the Covid guidelines and hygiene standards.

Wear a mask now and avoid crowded places.

Cover nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing.

Do not touch your eyes and nose repeatedly.

If you have fever and body pain, take paracetamol.

Avoid shaking hands with each other.

Do not spit in public places.

Do not take antibiotics unless your doctor tells you to do so