In the last few months as the weather has changed, it was observed that the public started experiencing the symptoms of seasonal Influenza, commonly known as the Flu, which is a highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the Influenza virus. Despite the fact that the flu is thought to last for about seven days, the fever should go down in just under three days, it was observed that people were having an almost eight-day-long, constant fever and bloating, and were too weak to continue with their normal routine.
Influenza has 3 types which are type A and B which cause regional flu epidemics, while Influenza C causes mild illness. We appear to have forgotten about the influenza virus's propensity to evolve, be incapacitating, and present itself severely due to our over-obsession with COVID-19 for the past few years.
What is the Influenza (H3N2) virus?
H3N2 Virus is a subtype of influenza virus, it normally hosts pigs (normally lives in pigs) which has infected humans. Let us first understand what the H and N in the virus stand for. Well, viruses contain proteins on their surfaces to make an attraction between the viral cell and host cell (human cell or pig cell) The viruses are categorized as per the number of proteins on the surface.
The H protein is hemagglutinin [8]
The N is Neuraminidase
Thus in H1N1 virus (swine flu virus) contains 1 H protein and 1 N protein and similarly, the H3N2 virus contains 3 H proteins and 2 N proteins
The influenza virus is an RNA-type virus. Viruses do not multiply in the body independently, Hence it uses the RNA of the human cell for the multiplication, host cell dies in the process.
This viral subtype first evolved from the H2N2 virus by antigenic shift and caused the Hong Kong pandemic flu in 1968 and 1969, which killed approximately 750,000 people. A severe form of this viral subtype circulated among children in the United States in 2003 as well. [7]
According to data shared by the health ministry on March 10, 451 cases of the H3N2 virus have been reported in India from January 2 to March 5, 2023.
How does a human get infected by the H3N2 virus from a pig?
Both humans and pigs are susceptible to the transmission of influenza viruses. In the same manner that human-to-human contamination occurs, pigs can infect humans with the influenza virus. If a pig containing the H3N2 virus sneezes or coughs in your surrounding and by any chance those droplets land around your nose and mouth area or get inhaled by you, you can get infected. Another way you can get infected is by coming in contact with any innate object that might be infected by the virus and then touching your philtrum area i.e. your nose and mouth area. Thus it is suggested to wash your hands frequently or use sanitizers.
What are the symptoms of the H3N2 virus?
The symptoms of H3N2 influenza are comparable to those of other influenza virus subtypes. Fever and cough that lasts longer around 5-6 days even with the treatment are the main indicators of the infection of the H3N2 virus.
Other symptoms include:
Sore throat
Enfeebling effects of weakness for days
Body pain ( body pain ranges from moderate to severe )
Headache
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Malaise (in Marathi - kankan yene or kasar yene) (feeling of discomfort and illness)
Runny or stuffy nose
Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are more common in children than in adults.
Why should we be concerned about this virus?
Complications:
Firstly there are a few complications that have been observed in both ill as well as healthy people [4]
In some cases, H3N2 can cause complications such as pneumonia, especially in the elderly, young children, and people with weakened immune systems[3]. Other complications that have been observed are:
Sinus and ear infections
Bronchitis
Exacerbation of asthma
Inflammation of the heart and brain
Exacerbation of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease
In severe cases - death
Extremely contagious:
Influenza spreads from person to person and also from pig to human through cough and sneezing which makes it an airborne virus.
The H3N2 Virus is way more contagious that the original Influenza virus as it is a Mutated variant.
Therefore it is very important for people to take care of themselves and follow the below-mentioned safety norms to prevent this virus from spreading.
Prevention of H3N2:
Annual vaccination is the best way to prevent H3N2 and other strains of the influenza virus.
You must also follow the below-mentioned norms to avoid contracting the virus and prevent the spreading of H3N2.
If you are sick, stay home to avoid spreading the virus to others.
Avoid traveling to farms that have a pigsty.
Consume maximum vegetarian food till the virus is nearly eradicated and it can be assumed that it is safe to eat meat.
Hydrate, exercise, and sleep for a minimum of 7 hours to keep your body healthy so that the virus can not affect your body much.
Listen to your body, if you feel weak immediately visit a doctor
Build immunity, by having vitamin C fruits - citrus fruits ( oranges, lemon)
Treatment of H3N2:
There is no cure for H3N2 or other influenza virus strains. However, there are some treatments that can help relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. These include:
Antiviral drugs: These drugs help reduce the severity and duration of illness when taken within the first 48 hours after symptoms appear. It is most effective when taken early in the disease.
Over-the-counter medicines: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help relieve fever and body aches.
A decongestant: A decongestant can also help relieve nasal congestion.
Rest and hydration: Getting enough rest and hydration helps your body fight off infections.
REFERENCES:
[1] Influenza (Avian and other zoonotic). (n.d.). Who.int. Retrieved March 21, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(avian-and-other-zoonotic)?gclid=CjwKCAjwq-WgBhBMEiwAzKSH6LDgVDqZm64kPXPr9EccVyvvFfDFgrZdiKnEoEOI09uUz8G_sJ7OQBoCkusQAvD_BwEm
[2]What is the H3N2 influenza virus and how is it treated? | The Hindu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6GjJo_DZLE
[3] Influenza: Clinical Nursing Care https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGtKlYPuFfU
[4] Russell, C. A., Jones, T. C., Barr, I. G., Cox, N. J., Garten, R. J., Gregory, V., … Smith, D. J. (2008). The Global Circulation of Seasonal Influenza A (H3N2) Viruses. Science, 320(5874), 340–346. doi:10.1126/science.1154137
[5] Influenza (seasonal) [Internet]. Who.int. [cited 2023 Mar 21]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)?gclid=CjwKCAjwq-WgBhBMEiwAzKSH6JBYkvc6JvzV6TwHV4XN3kxq1bu-gpvrnmT5TxVqKmAgTp9Y0lYR3RoCvQIQAvD_BwE
[6] Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings. (2021, May 13). Cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/infectioncontrol/healthcaresettings.htm
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