The H3N2 is a subtype of Influenza A virus. It 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.

The H3N2 influenza is spreading rapidly in different parts of the country. The patients report flu-like symptoms which last for approximately 5 to 7 days. The sudden change in weather from extremely cold to hot has been identified as the main reason behind the rapid spread. Cough, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea, runny nose and continuous sneezing are common symptoms of H3N2 influenza. In severe cases, the patient may experience discomfort in chest, difficulty in swallowing and continuous fever. The Ministry of Health has shared several guidelines that can help prevent you from catching the virus. Let’s take a look at these prevention steps.

Symptoms Of H3N2 Viral Infection

1. Most of the H3N2 Viral patients shows symptom of fever. Fever is a medical sign that your body is trying to fight and kill some foreign microorganism. In current times, foreign microbes are generally influenza viruses.
2. Coughing is another H3N2 Symptom that shows very early after getting infected but leaves the body at very last. Your other symptoms may fade away in 3-4 days but coughing will take time to leave.
3. You will definitely feel fatigued if you get infected with H3N2 Viral Infection. Fatigue means feeling very weak and tired. It blocks our mind from feeling weak so that we don’t recover from illness.
4. When all other symptoms of this fast-spreading disease trouble you. your brain starts having
5. Slowly all the muscles of your body start to pain. Specifically the muscle of your back and legs.
6. All the H3N2-infected patients also say that their throat hurts. If you face this symptom then we would like to say that do some gargle with warm water.
7. Take some fresh water steam, if you face problems during breathing or feel a sensation in the nasal cavity.

H3N2 Influenza: Prevention steps you must follow

1. Maintain hand hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water frequently or using hand sanitizer

2. Avoid touching your face and nose

3. Wear a mask and avoid crowded places

4. Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing

5. Avoid close contact like shaking hands

6. Do not spit in public

7. Drink plenty of water

According to heath experts, it is important to maintain all kinds of hygiene especially the respiratory hygiene. It is critical to adopt appropriate self-respiratory hygiene techniques to avoid the catching of infection. Avoid going in congested locations and always wear a mask when out in public. Before eating and after utilising public transit, wash your hands with soap and water. When you can’t clean your hands, apply hand sanitizer. It is also advised for people to stay away from individuals who are sick.

H3N2 influenza can spread easily from an infected person. Transfer of infected droplets via air, direct contact or surfaces can transfer it from one person to another.

Who is at a higher risk?

Children, senior citizens, pregnant women and people with pre-existing health conditions are at a higher risk of catching the virus.

Cases And Death rate

India has reportedly recorded first two deaths due to the H3N2 influenza virus in Haryana and Karnataka. The victim from Karnataka suffered from fever, sore throat, and cough, and had symptoms of influenza-like illness (ILI), health department officials said on Friday. The 82-year-old man from Alur Taluk of Hassan district was admitted to the Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences on February 24 and died on March 1.

Over 90 cases of the H3N2 virus are reported in India so far. The rising cases of the flu-like virus are becoming a cause of concern in the country.