H3N2 virus hits India

An extended post-viral cough, shortness of breath, and sneezing affect one person every second. This pattern is unusual, especially in North India, where there have been more instances of the flu reported in the months of January, February, and March.

Most of these cases are caused by the H3N2 virus, a type of influenza A virus, which is severe, but not as epidemical in nature as the deadly H1N1 virus (swine flu).

WHAT IS H3N2 VIRUS?

H3N2 virus is a type of influenza virus called the influenza A virus. It is a respiratory viral infection that causes illnesses every year. This subtype of influenza A virus was discovered in 1968 in humans.

The virus derives from types of protein strains of the influenza A virus – hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). HA has over 18 different subtypes, each numbered H1 to H18 while NA has 11 different subtypes, each numbered N1 to N11. The H3N2 is a combination of the two protein strains of the influenza A virus.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF H3N2 VIRUS?

The symptoms of the H3N2 virus include cough, runny nose or congested nose, sore throat, headaches, body aches, fever, chills, fatigue, diarrhoea, vomiting and breathlessness.

WHAT ARE THE PRECAUTIONS YOU SHOULD TAKE TO AVOID H3N2 VIRUS?

To prevent any type of viral infection, precautions include getting vaccinated first. Sanitise your surroundings by washing your hands regularly with soap. Avoid contact with people who are ill or wear a mask. If you are sneezing or coughing, it is advisable to cover your mouth as the viral infection is contagious.