H3N2 influenza A virus: Check symptoms, treatment, prevention, vaccine, dos and don'ts

H3N2 influenza A virus: Halage Gowda, 82, became the first victim of the H3N2 virus in the country. He was a resident of Hassan district in Karnataka. Gowda was a diabetic and suffered from hypertension as well. 

The Karnataka government has now released an advisory and guidelines amidst the rising cases of influenza (flu) H3N2 virus.   

"Seasonal Flu being a contagious disease can spread from person to person through droplets from an affected person's cough or sneeze or through contact of droplets on hands and surfaces. This self-limiting infection lasts for about 5-7 days with minimal morbidity and mortality," the state government said in the notification. 

According to the latest data available on IDSP-IHIP (integrated health Information Platform), a total of 3038 laboratory confirmed cases of various subtypes of Influenza including H3N2 have been reported till 9th March 2023 by the States. This includes 1245 cases in January 1307 in February and 486 cases in March (till 9th March). 

H3N2 Influenza Virus Symptoms 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified  some of the common symptoms of H3N2 virus which include the following : 

1. Cough and runny nose 
2. Body aches 
3. Coughing 
4. Fever 
5. Vomiting 
6.  Nausea 
7. Diarrhea 
8. Chills 
9. Throat ache/sore throat 

H3N2 Influenza Virus: Treatment  

Doctors suggest that taking proper rest and drinking lots of fluids, when an individual develop the symptoms can help recover faster. Doctors suggest that patients can use painkillers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to lower fever as a  part of the H3N2 influenza treatment regimen.  

“Patients should consult the doctor and if needed, drugs like Remdesvir , Tocilizumab(off label), hydroxychloroquine(off label),Dexamethasone(off label), itolizumab,” said Dr Srinjoy Bhattacahrya, a practising physician from Bangalore. 

WHO further suggests that in suspected and confirmed cases, doctors should prescribe neuraminidase inhibitors at the earliest (ideally, within 48 hours following symptom onset) to maximize therapeutic benefits. 

Oseltamivir is the drug recommended by WHO. The drug is made available through the Public Health System free of cost. The government of India has allowed sale of Oseltamivir under Schedule H1 of Drug and Cosmetic Act in February 2017 for wider accessibility and availability. Adequate logistics is available with the States. 

H3N2 Influenza Virus: Dos and Don'ts 

1. Regularly wash your hands with water and soap 
2. Wear face masks and avoid crowded areas 
3. Avoid touching your nose and mouth 
4. Cover your nose and mouth properly while coughing and sneezing 
5. Stay hydrated and consume plenty of fluids 
6. In case of fever and body ache, take paracetamol