Table of contents:
- Main symptoms
- How the transmission happens
- What is the difference between H3N2 flu and COVID-19?
- How the treatment is done
- How to prevent
The H3N2 virus is one of the subtypes of the Influenza A virus, also known as type A virus, which is one of the main responsible for the common flu, known as influenza A, since it is very easy to be transmitted between people through the droplets released into the air when the person with the flu coughs or sneezes.
The H3N2 virus, as well as the H1N1 Influenza subtype, causes the typical flu symptoms, such as headache, fever, headache and nasal congestion, and it is important that the person rests and drinks plenty of fluids to promote the elimination of the virus from the body. In addition, the use of medicines that help combat symptoms, such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, may be recommended.
Although H2N3 is also a subtype of the Influenza A virus, it is not related to flu symptoms in people, as it only infects animals. Therefore, symptoms are more likely to be related to H3N2 or H1N1 infection.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of infection by the H3N2 virus are the same as those of infection by the H1N1 virus, as follows:
- High fever, above 38ºC;
- Body pain;
- Sore throat;
- Headache;
- Sneezing;
- Cough,
- Coryza;
- Chills;
- Excessive fatigue;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Diarrhea, which is more common in children;
- Moleza.
The H3N2 virus is more frequently identified in children and the elderly, in addition to being able to more easily infect pregnant women or those who have had the baby in a short time, people who have a compromised immune system or who are carriers of chronic diseases. Take the online test to see if you may have H3N2.
How the transmission happens
Transmission of the H3N2 virus is easy and happens through the air through droplets that are suspended in the air when the person with the flu coughs, speaks or sneezes, and it can also happen through direct contact with infected people.
Are the 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 there have been no reported cases of infection by this virus in people.
What is the difference between H3N2 flu and COVID-19?
Although they are acute respiratory diseases caused by viruses, the H3N2 flu and COVID-19 are different situations. In addition to being caused by different viruses, H3N2 viruses in the case of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 in the case of COVID-19, the onset of symptoms and intensity are also different:
| H3N2 | COVID-19 |
|---|---|
| Symptoms are more intense in the first 48 hours | Symptoms are more intense between the 5th and 6th day of infection |
| Intense fever and body pain in the first few days of infection | Low fever in the first few days of infection, which may increase over time |
| Improves after about 7 days | There is an evolution of symptoms over time, which can result in severe symptoms, such as respiratory changes and thrombosis |
Since the symptoms are similar, it is advisable to consult the doctor for an assessment of the symptoms and the need to be tested for COVID-19 and for Influenza. See more about the main differences between COVID, flu and a cold.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for influenza caused by the H3N2 virus aims to relieve symptoms and may be recommended:
- Rest;
- Consumption of liquids during the day;
- Light food and easy to digest;
- Use of analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen, respectively;
- Use of antiviral drugs, in some cases, to decrease the rate of multiplication of the virus, such as Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) or Relenza (Zanamivir), which should be used according to medical advice.
Furthermore, it is important that during treatment for H3N2 infection, the person remains in isolation for about 7 to 10 days to avoid transmission to others. Understand how the flu is treated.
How to prevent
To prevent infection by the H3N2 virus, it is recommended that the person with flu-like symptoms remains in isolation for 7 to 10 days, so that it is possible to prevent the transmission of the virus to other people. In addition, it is recommended that a face mask is used and that hands are properly disinfected and sanitized.
It is also important to avoid staying too long in a closed environment with many people, avoid putting your hands to your eyes and mouth before washing it and avoid staying too long near a person with the flu.
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 viruses. years, especially by children and the elderly, as this infection is more common in this group. See more about the H3N2 vaccine.
