In news– The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that rising cases of intense cough lasting for over a week coupled with fever, observed in most parts of the country, can be linked to Influenza A H3N2.
What is H3N2?
- Also known as the “Hong Kong flu,” H3N2 is a type of influenza virus that can cause respiratory illness in humans.
- It is a subtype of the Influenza A virus and has been responsible for several influenza outbreaks in the past.
- Influenza A H3N2 variant viruses (also known as “H3N2v” viruses) with the matrix (M) gene from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus were first detected in people in July 2011.
- The viruses were first identified in U.S. pigs in 2010.
- During 2011, 12 human infections with H3N2v were detected.
- Infections with H3N2v have mostly been associated with prolonged exposure to pigs at agricultural fairs.
- Limited human-to-human spread of this virus has been detected in the past as well but no sustained or community spread of H3N2v has been identified at this time.
- It’s possible that sporadic infections and even localized outbreaks among people with this virus will continue to occur.
- H3N2 influenza is highly contagious and can spread from person to person through droplets generated when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.
- It can also spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s mouth or nose.
- H3N2 symptoms are, Fever, chills, cough, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, muscle and body aches, diarrhoea, runny nose and sneezing.
- Treatment for H3N2 influenza includes rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever and relieve pain.
- Antiviral medications like oseltamivir and zanamivir may also be prescribed by a doctor for people with severe symptoms or those who are at high risk of complications.
Source: The Hindu
