The H3N2 virus is one of the subtypes of the virus Influenza A, which is one of the main causes of the common flu, known as flu A, as it is very easy to be transmitted between people through droplets released into the air when a person with the flu coughs or sneezes.
The H3N2 virus causes typical flu symptoms, such as headache, fever and nasal congestion, and it is important that the person rests and drinks plenty of fluids to help eliminate the virus from the body. Additionally, the use of medications that help combat symptoms, such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, may be recommended.
To prevent H3N2 infection, it is important to get the flu vaccine, which is made available annually during government campaigns, mainly.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of H3N2 flu are:
- High fever, above 38ºC;
- Body ache;
- Sore throat;
- Headache;
- Sneezing;
- Cough,
- Runny nose;
- Chills;
- Excessive tiredness;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Diarrhea, which is more common in children;
- Easy.
The H3N2 virus is more frequently identified in children and the elderly, and can also more easily infect pregnant women or women who have had a baby in a short time, people who have a compromised immune system or who have chronic diseases. Take the online test to find out if you may have H3N2.
How transmission happens
Transmission of the H3N2 virus is easy and occurs through the air through droplets that remain suspended in the air when a person with the flu coughs, speaks or sneezes, and can also occur through direct contact with infected people.
Are 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 in people have been reported.
How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for flu caused by the H3N2 virus aims to alleviate symptoms and may be recommended:
- Rest;
- Fluid consumption during the day;
- Light and easily digestible food;
- Use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory medications, such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, respectively;
- Use of antiviral medications, in some cases, to reduce the rate of multiplication of the virus, such as Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) or Relenza (Zanamivir), which must be used according to medical recommendation.
Furthermore, it is important that during treatment for H3N2 infection, the person remains in isolation for about 7 to 10 days to prevent transmission to other people. Understand how flu is treated.
How to prevent
To prevent infection with the H3N2 virus, it is recommended that people with flu-like symptoms remain in isolation for 7 to 10 days, as this will prevent transmission of the virus to other people. Furthermore, it is recommended that a face mask be worn and that hands be properly disinfected and sanitized.
It is also important to avoid staying in a closed environment for a long time with many people, avoid touching your eyes and mouth before washing them and avoid staying close to someone with the flu for a long time.
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, especially by children and the elderly, as this infection is more common in this group.
