Influenza H3N2 A Virus is a particularly contagious flu strain that has recently become very common in India. To prevent prolonged illness and promote a speedy recovery, it's critical to be aware of the symptoms of this virus and comprehend what steps must be done to deal with them immediately and appropriately. Similar to COVID-19, this virus can cause serious sickness and even death in susceptible groups such as young children, senior citizens & others who have weak immune systems. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. The following information can help you defend yourself & your loved ones against the H3N2 influenza A virus.
Symptoms
The symptoms include:
- Fever
- Cough or sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches or chills
- Vomiting, diarrhea
It's critical to seek medical help right away if you suffer from these symptoms since an expert can recommend the best medications and treatment plans to guarantee a quicker, more comfortable recovery.
Prevention
Getting vaccinated against the seasonal flu is the most effective strategy to stop the spread of the H3N2 Influenza A Virus.
Other ways to protect yourself from this virus:
- Avoid touching your face, and wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after sneezing or coughing
- When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow, and throw away used tissues right away.
- To stop the spread of the virus to others, avoid close contact with ill people and remain home from work or school if you are sick.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and items, such as doorknobs, phones, and keyboards, that could be contaminated with the virus.
Those who are at higher risk of catching this flu, including pregnant women, patients with heart conditions, asthma (or other breathing disorders), must be extra precautious when stepping out or interacting with other people.
Treatment
There are antiviral drugs available that can help reduce the length and severity of your sickness if you do contract the H3N2 Influenza A Virus. It's crucial to seek medical assistance as soon as possible if you suspect you may have the flu because these medications perform best when administered within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
In addition, just like with any other flu, if one contracts this virus, one must take the following precautions:
- Get plenty of rest; complete sleep & rest is crucial to recovery
- Keep the body hydrated, and keep drinking fluids like water, fresh juices, coconut water, etc.
- Take the right OTC medications to relieve symptoms like fever, body aches, pains, etc; but ensure that you consult with a specialist if the symptoms are ongoing for too long.
At Sarvodaya Hospital, Sec-8, Faridabad, our team of experts at the Centre for Internal Medicine are equipped to diagnose and treat the H3N2 Influenza A virus and other types of flus and infectious diseases as well. We also have a dedicated department for Infectious Diseases where our experts render quality care for diseases and conditions caused by bacteria, virus, fungal infections and other complex infections. With several years of collective experience and advanced expertise, our internal medicine specialists offer quality care to each & every patient, while understanding their particular case and developing customised treatment plans for them. Our team offers consulting facilities for a range of medical conditions from Acute to Chronic Disorders including Hypertension, Diabetes, Environmental Diseases and much more. We offer a range of services, including vaccination, antiviral treatment, and supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent complications. This is also support through cross-departmental consults and investigations from laboratory, imaging and other speciality diagnoses.
If you're concerned about the H3N2 Influenza A virus or have questions about the flu vaccine, our healthcare professionals are here to help.
We are dedicated to preserving the health of our community and educating about the most recent health risks. To book an appointment with our specialists, call: 1800 313 1414
