H3N2 Treatment – An influenza virus known as H3N2 sometimes referred to as the Hong Kong flu can make people sick with respiratory conditions. It is a subtype of the influenza A virus that has previously been in charge of several influenza outbreaks. Read below to check the detailed information related to H3N2 Treatment like About H3N2 Treatment, Is H3N2 Cause of Concern?, H3N2 Symptoms, H3N2 Treatment, Guidelines for H3N2, How Can You Avoid Catching the H3N2 Flu?, and much more
About H3N2 Treatment
The four varieties of influenza viruses that produce the contagious illness known as the flu are A, B, C, and D. The H3N2 subtype of influenza A is one of several subtypes of influenza A. The 1968 flu pandemic, which claimed 100,000 lives in the US and about one million worldwide, was caused by H3N2, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the US. According to a 2020 study that was published in the journal Nature Communications, the virus strains have substantially changed over the previous five decades as a result of persons born in the late 1960s and early 1970s becoming infected with it as youngsters.
In New Delhi, where people are exhibiting symptoms resembling those of protracted sickness and coughing, there has been a rapid rise in the number of H3N2 influenza infections. According to reports, the state’s high H3N2 influenza prevalence is to blame for the rise in cases. The prevalence of flu symptoms among people is also influenced by the change in weather from extremely cold to warm.
H3N2 Symptoms in Kids & Adults
Is H3N2 a Cause of Concern?
The pattern of viruses has changed dramatically and unexpectedly, according to experts. Senior Consultant Dr. Dhiren Gupta at Sir Gangaram Hospital in Delhi remarked the viral pattern has changed dramatically and unexpectedly over the last six months. In most cases, we anticipate that influenza will be the leading cause of hospitalization. This time, several respiratory tract infections have been caused by the influenza A virus subtype H3N2. It is alarming since the altered pattern not only necessitates hospitalization but also frequently necessitates hospitalizations to intensive care units for many individuals.
H3N2 Symptoms
Some of the main symptoms of H3N2 are as follows:
- Fever
- Headache
- Chills
- Body aches
- Sore throat
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Runny or congested nose
- Cough
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
Check Major H3N2 Treatment
When someone experiences symptoms, doctors advise getting plenty of rest and consuming a lot of water to speed recovery. As part of the H3N2 influenza treatment plan, doctors advise patients to utilize medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to reduce fever. Dr. Srinjoy Bhattacharya, a practicing doctor from Bangalore, advised patients to contact their doctor and, if necessary, use medications like Remdesvir, Tocilizumab (off label), hydroxychloroquine (off label), Dexamethasone (off label), and itolizumab.
WHO further advises that to maximize therapeutic advantages, doctors should give neuraminidase inhibitors as soon as possible (preferably, within 48 hours of symptom onset) in suspected and confirmed cases. The medicine that the WHO suggests is oseltamivir. The Public Health System offers the medication free of charge. To increase accessibility and availability, the Indian government approved the sale of oseltamivir under Schedule H1 of the Drug and Cosmetic Act in February 2017. With the States, adequate logistics are available.
Guidelines for H3N2
Although taking medicines like azithromycin and amoxicillin without first contacting a doctor can lead to antibiotic resistance, the Indian Medical Association has cautioned people not to panic. The steps listed below can be used by anyone who has the H3N2 virus to recover more quickly.
- Use the prescriptions and guidance from the doctor to treat symptoms.
- Drink a lot of water.
- Get plenty of rest
- To ease chest congestion, take a steam bath.
- Eat less high-sodium or high-sugar food to avoid being dehydrated.
- Gargle with a warm saline solution to ease a sore throat.
How Can You Avoid Catching the H3N2 Flu?
The best defense against viral illness is good personal cleanliness. There are several actions you may take to protect your family and yourself from H3N2.
- Hands should be washed before contacting your face, nose, or mouth and before eating.
- Avoid congested areas
- Keep your hands sanitized using sanitizers while traveling.
- Avoid sharing surfaces with individuals who have the H3N2 virus, seasonal flu, or influenza.
- In public spaces, wear a mask.
- Consume fruit and veg to boost your immunity.
- Remember to get your flu vaccine every year.
H3N2 Treatment FAQ’s
Has India recorded any Death cases due to H3N2? Two H3N2-related deaths were recorded by the Indian government, one in Haryana and the other in Karnataka. Who is most at risk from problems caused by the H3N2 influenza? High-risk groups include expectant mothers, kids, seniors, and those with existing medical issues.