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H3N2 is a seasonal flu strain that has dominated this year's influenza season. People have been experiencing long-term illness as a result of this strain of the flu, which is being regarded as highly infectious. The long existing hack and fever has left individuals with inquiries of wellbeing.
2. H3N2 flu symptoms:
The severe illness brought on by H3N2 influenza can manifest differently in each individual. High fever, severe headache, body pain, sore throat, severe and persistent cough, cold, and bronchial congestion are some of the symptoms. Aches in the body, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are additional symptoms. Oncquest Laboratories Limited, Gurugram, Head of Molecular Biology Dr. Vinay Bhatia states, "The illness is said to cause a fever that lasts for 3-5 days and a prolonged cough and cold for up to three weeks." A person must be taken to the hospital right away if they are having trouble breathing, have low blood pressure, are breathing quickly, have blue lips, are having seizures, or are confused. The majority of those with comorbidities and those over the age of 65 saw an increase in ICU admissions.
3. Individuals at greater risk:
According to the CDC, individuals with certain long-term health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions are at a higher risk of developing complications as a result of the virus. This includes children under the age of five, people who are 65 years of age or older, pregnant women, and people with these conditions.
4. H3N2 has a greater severity than H1N1:
According to Dr. Bhatia, "in terms of fever, leukopenia, and C-reactive protein, influenza A H3N2 infection is more severe than influenza A H1N1 or B." In both influenza A H3N2, A H1N1, and B infections, myalgia and other symptoms like fever, headache, general malaise, and sore throat were equally common.
5. These viral infections' diagnoses:
Laboratory tests can be used to diagnose the H3N2 and H1N1 viruses. The nasal swab and pharyngeal swab samples used for COVID-19 testing are comparable to the samples used for H3N2 and H1N1 laboratory testing. The RT PCR test, which is used to test for COVID-19, is also used to test for H3N2 and H1N1 viruses.
6. Procedures to adhere to:
In India, health professionals are urging people to wear masks, wash their hands frequently, and get the flu shot if they haven't already. The H3N2 strain "tends to be particularly damaging to populations that are vulnerable." According to Dr. Bhatia's advice, "there is no need to panic" and "continue to follow common sense flu prevention guidelines, like practicing good hand hygiene (knowing how to wash your hands) and doing your best to stay away from people who are coughing and sneezing."