H3N2 influenza vs COVID-19: Which is more lethal and why?

H3N2 virus symptoms: Even before India could fully recover from the damage caused by the highly infectious COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), the H3N2 influenza virus has stirred concerns among the medical fraternity. There has been a sudden surge of cough and flu among the masses in various states like Karnataka, Haryana and West Bengal. According to the scientists of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the majority of these cases of flu are primarily due to the H3N2 Virus.

First reported case in India

The first lethal case of the H3N2 Virus was reported in an 87-year-old man from Karnataka's Hassan district. He was admitted to Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences on February 24 and he died due to H3N2 on March 1.

The first case of COVID-19 infection in India was reported in Kerala, India. On January 27, 2020, a 20 yr old female was brought to the Emergency Department in General Hospital, Thrissur, Kerala, with a one-day history of dry cough and sore throat. There was no history of fever, rhinitis or shortness of breath.  However, the first case of death due to Covid-19 was reported in Karnataka on March 12, when a 76-year-old suspected COVID-19 patient passed away on March 10 night and later tested positive for the disease.

Differences between H3N2 influenza and COVID-19

One major difference is that COVID-19 was caused by SARS CoV-2 virus while H3N2 is a subtype of influenza virus, pointed out doctors.

Influenza viruses are part of the viral family Orthomyxoviridae. COVID-19 is caused by a coronavirus from the viral family Coronaviridae having a single strand of RNA. The specific virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2.

Although, the exact origin of SARS-CoV-2 is still unknown.

The difference in symptoms: Which is more lethal?

A statement from the ICMR said, “A persistent cough, sometimes accompanied by fever, running through India for the past two-three months is due to Influenza A subtype H3N2.” India witnessed lakhs of deaths during the first two waves of Covid-29, so with the news of H3N2 spreading fast has raised concerns among the masses.

However, Dr Randeep Guleria, former AIIMS-Delhi Director, in an interaction with ANI assured "There is not that much of a cause of concern for H3N2 as not many people have been hospitalized so far."

Moreover, physicians also pointed out that H3N2 virus won’t affect the lungs much. The majority of the patients suffering from Covid-19 had a basic cough to severe pneumonia leading to respiratory failure and even death, especially during the second wave of the Delta variant.

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