All You Need to Know about H3N2 Flu

It is the flu season. Among the various strains of influenza virus that circulate every year, H3N2 flu has been causing concern lately. Dubbed the “Aussie Flu,” or the “Hong Kong Flu” this subtype of influenza A has been making headlines due to its severity and high hospitalisation rate in some cases. If you’re worried about catching this notorious strain or want to know more about it, then this post is tailored just for you. So let us learn all you need to know about H3N2 flu – symptoms, prevention tips, treatment options – everything in one place!

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Why it is on a watchlist in India?

The H3N2 Flu is on a watchlist in India for several reasons.

First, the virus can cause severe respiratory illness in people of all ages. The hospitalisation rate with the H3N2 subtype compared to other subtypes of flu is high. Some serious complications, including pneumonia, and death have been reported.

Second, the virus spreads easily from person to person (and the spread is fast just like COVID-19). The virus spreads through droplet infection (coughing and sneezing) and touching infected surfaces. It is often noted that if one person at home gets infected, other family members are more likely to contract it within a couple of days.

Third, the virus is constantly changing, making it difficult to develop a vaccine that will protect against all strains of the influenza virus (a concept called ‘universal influenza vaccine’).

Symptoms, Precautions and Treatment

Symptoms of H3N2 Flu are similar to those of the common flu, and include:

– fever (that lasts 3-5 days)

– chills

– sore throat

– cough (that lasts up to 3 weeks)

– headache

– body aches

– fatigue

However, HN Flu can also lead to more serious respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Preventive measures:

Preventive measures against H3N2 Flu include washing your hands thoroughly and frequently. Avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and avoiding sharing cups or utensils with others.

When H3N2 flu is on the rise, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself and your family.

First, make sure you have your immune defences in place. The flu vaccine is a great way to protect against the flu, and it’s especially important for people at high risk of serious complications from the flu. This includes people 65 years and older, pregnant women, young children, and people with certain medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. If you are in one of these groups, talk to your doctor about getting the flu vaccine. Flu vaccines although not very popular in India are gaining momentum, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Second, take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs. This includes washing your hands often with soap and water, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. The use of a mask is highly recommended.

Third, if you get sick with the flu, stay home from work (do not send children to school) so you don’t spread it to others. Rest and plenty of fluids will manage a viral fever in a few days; however, you must consult your doctor if you have any concerns about your symptoms. Some patients may need antiviral medications to treat the flu, so your doctor will decide if you need simple symptomatic treatment or an antiviral. Remember, antibiotics like Azithromycin and Amoxicillin have no role in viral conditions, so do not take antibiotics unless prescribed to you.