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“H3N2 Influenza Virus: Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention

March 10, 2023 7 Mins Read
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The H3N2 influenza virus is a subtype of the influenza A virus that is known to cause seasonal epidemics, pandemics, and severe outbreaks globally. This virus has undergone numerous genetic changes over the years, making it a complex and challenging pathogen to study, control, and treat. In this article, we will delve deeper into the scientific classification, history, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the H3N2 influenza virus. The H3N2 influenza virus belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family, which is a group of single-stranded RNA viruses that cause respiratory illnesses in humans, birds, and other animals. Within this family, the H3N2 virus belongs to the Influenza A genus, which is further classified into different subtypes based on the combinations of its two major surface proteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). The H3N2 subtype has a HA 3 protein and an NA 2 protein, which are responsible for its antigenic properties, pathogenicity, and host range. The H3N2 influenza virus was first detected in humans in 1968 in Hong Kong, where it caused a pandemic that spread rapidly across the globe. This pandemic was characterized by high rates of morbidity and mortality, especially among older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying medical conditions. Since then, the H3N2 virus has been a frequent cause of seasonal flu epidemics, which occur annually during the winter months in temperate regions and throughout the year in tropical areas.

Transmission of H3N2 influenza virus

The H3N2 influenza virus is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. These droplets can travel up to six feet and can be inhaled by nearby individuals or deposited on surfaces, where they can survive for several hours or even days. Once the virus enters the body, it attaches to the host cells’ surface receptors and replicates, causing an immune response and inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Symptoms: H3N2 virus

The symptoms of H3N2 influenza virus infection are similar to those of other flu viruses and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. In some cases, the virus can also cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially in children. The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary depending on the individual’s age, immune status, and underlying health conditions.

Diagnosis: H3N2 virus

The diagnosis of H3N2 influenza virus infection is based on clinical symptoms, travel history, and laboratory tests. The most common laboratory test used to detect the virus is the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, which amplifies and detects the viral RNA in respiratory specimens such as nasal or throat swabs. Other tests, such as rapid antigen tests and viral culture, may also be used in certain situations, but they have lower sensitivity and specificity compared to RT-PCR.

Treatment: H3N2 virus

The treatment of H3N2 influenza virus infection depends on the severity and timing of the illness. Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir and zanamivir, are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset and can reduce the duration and severity of the illness and prevent complications. However, these medications may not be effective against all strains of the virus, and their overuse can lead to the development of drug-resistant strains. Supportive care, such as rest, hydration, and fever-reducing medications, can also help alleviate the symptoms and prevent complications.

Prevention for H3N2 virus

The most effective way to prevent H3N2 influenza virus infection is through vaccination. The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the most prevalent strains of the virus each year and is recommended for everyone six months and older, especially individuals at high risk of complications such as older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying medical conditions. In addition to vaccination, other preventive measures such as frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home when feeling unwell can also help reduce the spread of the virus.

Vaccine for H3N2 influenza virus

The H3N2 influenza vaccine is typically included in the seasonal flu vaccine each year, which is designed to protect against the most prevalent strains of the virus. The vaccine is produced using inactivated or attenuated viruses that are grown in eggs, cell cultures, or other media and are then purified and formulated into a vaccine that is administered via injection or nasal spray. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies that can recognize and neutralize the virus, providing protection against infection and reducing the severity and duration of the illness.
The H3N2 influenza virus is a complex and challenging pathogen that causes seasonal epidemics, pandemics, and severe outbreaks globally. It has a significant impact on public health and the economy, resulting in hospitalizations, deaths, and lost productivity. The virus’s high mutation rate and the emergence of drug-resistant strains make it challenging to control and treat, highlighting the importance of preventive measures such as vaccination and good hygiene practices. Although the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, it remains the best tool available to protect against the virus and its complications, and everyone should consider getting vaccinated each year.

why H3N2 influenza virus is different from other viruses?

1. Antigenic properties: The H3N2 virus has a different combination of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) surface proteins compared to other influenza viruses. This antigenic difference means that the body’s immune response may not recognize or respond effectively to the virus, making it more virulent and challenging to control.

2. Pathogenicity: The H3N2 virus is known to cause more severe illness and complications compared to other influenza viruses, particularly among older adults, young children, and individuals with underlying medical conditions. This increased pathogenicity is thought to be due to the virus’s ability to cause more extensive damage to the respiratory tract and to trigger a more robust immune response.

3. Seasonal activity: The H3N2 virus is one of the predominant influenza viruses that cause seasonal epidemics each year, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere. These seasonal outbreaks are characterized by a higher incidence of hospitalizations and deaths compared to other influenza viruses.

4. Genetic changes: The H3N2 virus is known to undergo frequent genetic changes, including antigenic drift and shift, which can result in the emergence of new strains that can cause pandemics or severe outbreaks. These genetic changes make it challenging to predict the virus’s behavior and to develop effective vaccines and treatments.

5. Host range: The H3N2 virus can infect a wide range of hosts, including humans, birds, pigs, and other animals. This broad host range makes it challenging to control the virus’s spread and to prevent the emergence of new strains with pandemic potential.

Diet to be followed to avoid getting infected with H3N2 influenzae virus:

There is no specific diet that is recommended for individuals infected with the H3N2 virus. However, it is essential to maintain a healthy and balanced diet to support the immune system’s function and aid in recovery. Some dietary recommendations for individuals with H3N2 influenza virus infection include:

Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, or broth, can help prevent dehydration and promote the removal of toxins from the body. It is recommended to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, as they can dehydrate the body and weaken the immune system.

Nutrient-dense foods: Eating a diet rich in whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources, can provide the body with essential nutrients and antioxidants that can support the immune system’s function and aid in recovery.

Probiotics: Consuming probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut, can help promote a healthy gut microbiome and support the immune system’s function.

Spices: Including spices such as turmeric, garlic, ginger, and cinnamon in the diet can provide anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that may aid in recovery from the infection.

Vitamin C: Consuming foods rich in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, and peppers, may help reduce the duration and severity of the illness.

Rest: It is also essential to get plenty of rest and sleep to allow the body to recover from the infection.

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional regarding dietary recommendations and other management strategies for H3N2 influenza virus infection. Additionally, individuals with severe symptoms, underlying medical conditions, or at-risk populations should seek medical attention promptly.

H3N2 influenza virus infection can be harmful to people of all ages, but some age groups are at higher risk of severe illness and complications, including:

Older adults: Individuals aged 65 years and older are at increased risk of severe illness and complications from H3N2 influenza virus infection due to age-related decline in the immune system function and underlying medical conditions.

Young children: Infants and young children, particularly those younger than 5 years old, are at increased risk of severe illness and complications from H3N2 influenza virus infection due to their developing immune systems and small airways.

Pregnant women: Pregnant women are at increased risk of severe illness and complications from H3N2 influenza virus infection due to changes in their immune system and respiratory system.

Individuals with underlying medical conditions: Individuals with underlying medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, or weakened immune systems, are at increased risk of severe illness and complications from H3N2 influenza virus infection due to their compromised immune system function.

Healthcare workers: Healthcare workers are at increased risk of H3N2 influenza virus infection due to their frequent exposure to patients with the virus and the potential for transmission in healthcare settings.

It is essential for individuals in these high-risk groups to take extra precautions to prevent H3N2 influenza virus infection, such as getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms develop.

AL SANA AHMED 

10.03.2023

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