H3N2 flu: what it is, symptoms, transmission and treatment

The H3N2 virus is one of the subtypes of the virus Influenza A, also known as type A virus, which is a major contributor to common influenza, known as influenza A, and colds, since it is very easy to be transmitted between people through the droplets released into the air when the person cold coughs or sneezes.

The H3N2 virus, as well as the H1N1 subtype of Influenza, causes typical flu symptoms, such as headache, fever, headache and nasal congestion, and it is important that the person rest and drink plenty of fluids to promote the elimination of the body. In addition, the use of remedies that help fight symptoms, such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, for example, may be recommended.

Main symptoms

The symptoms of infection with the H3N2 virus are the same as those with infection with the H1N1 virus, which are:

• High fever, above 38ºC;
• Body ache;
• Sore throat;
• Headache;
• Sneezing;
• Cough,
• Coryza;
• Chills;
• Excessive tiredness;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Diarrhea, which is more frequent in children;
• Easy.

The H3N2 virus is more frequent to be identified in children and the elderly, in addition to being able to more easily infect pregnant women or those who have had the baby in a short time, people who have a compromised immune system or who have chronic diseases.

How the transmission happens

The transmission of the H3N2 virus is easy and happens through the air through droplets that are suspended in the air when the person with the flu coughs, talks or sneezes, and can also happen through direct contact with infected people.

For this reason, the recommendation is to avoid staying too long in a closed environment with many people, to avoid touching your eyes and mouth before washing it and to avoid being around a person with the flu for a long time. In this way, it is possible to prevent the transmission of the virus.

It is also possible to prevent the transmission of this virus through the vaccine that is made available annually during government campaigns and that protects against the H1N1, H3N2 and Influenza B. The recommendation is that the vaccine be taken every year, mainly by children and the elderly, as this infection is more common in this group. The annual dose is recommended because the viruses can undergo small mutations throughout the year, becoming resistant to previous vaccines. See more about the flu vaccine.

Are the H2N3 and H3N2 viruses the same?

Although both are subtypes of the Influenza A virus, the H2N3 and H3N2 viruses are not the same, mainly related to the affected population. While the H3N2 virus is restricted to people, the H2N3 virus is restricted to animals, and no cases of infection with this virus have been reported in people.

How the treatment is done

The treatment for the flu caused by H3N2 is done the same as the other types of flu, being recommended rest, intake of plenty of fluids and light food to facilitate the easier elimination of the virus. In addition, it may be recommended by the doctor to use antiviral remedies to decrease the rate of virus multiplication and the risk of transmission, as well as remedies to relieve symptoms, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Understand how the flu is treated.

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Bibliography

• FIOCRUZ. Flu H2N3 and H3N2: virologist clarifies doubts about the types of virus in circulation. Available in: . Accessed on 24 Jan 2020
• MINISTRY OF HEALTH. Epidemiological report - Influenza: Monitoring until the Epidemiological Week 13 of 2018. 2018. Available at:. Accessed on 24 Jan 2020
• MINISTRY OF HEALTH. Informatic note and recommendations on the seasonality of Influenza 2017. Available in: . Accessed on 24 Jan 2020