The phrase H3N2 could be familiar to you from media coverage or internet articles. However, you are probably unaware of its nature and how it differs from other forms of influenza. Anyone over the age of 18 who was alive in 2009 has likely heard of the H1N1 influenza virus, which swept the globe in 2009 and infected millions of people. H3N2, however, differs somewhat.
This page defines H3N2 flu, goes over its symptoms, and explains how to diagnose and treat it.
Flu Facts and Figures
Subtype A of the influenza virus is known as H3N2. While there are several subtypes of influenza, subtypes of influenza A are the only ones that are further classified. The World Health Organization (WHO) further subdivides these kinds when classifying them according to:1
The animal type that initially showed signs of the virus (swine, birds, etc.) is known as the host of origin; however, no host is mentioned for viruses with a human origin.
Where the person was born: The initial urban area where the virus was discovered
Multiple strains
One year spent alone
During the flu season, different strains of the virus cause sickness every year. Because the virus is always changing, it is impossible to say which strain will cause illness and how bad the season will be.
As part of their annual flu vaccine selection process, WHO experts select two influenza A strains (one H1N1 variation and one H3N2) and one or two influenza B strains. Although the majority of flu vaccines only have three influenza strains, the quadrivalent vaccine and Flu Mist, a nasal spray vaccine, contain four (two influenza B strains instead of one).
In order to ensure that vaccines against these strains are ready for distribution, they are selected more than six months before the start of the flu season.
H3N2 Influenza Virus: What Is It?
Although it typically infects pigs, the H3N2 virus can infect humans. “Swine influenza viruses” are the kind of viruses that typically infect pigs. The term “variant” is used to describe these viruses when they infect people.3
The first human cases of the H3N2 virus occurred in 2011, but the virus has been circulating in pigs since 2010. The H3N2 virus has been infecting individuals annually in the United States since it was first detected in 2011.Four Coronavirus Epidemics
Flu symptoms are usually the same regardless of the strain, but seasons with the H3N2 influenza A virus as the prevalent strain tend to be more severe.
While H3N2 isn’t quite as bad as H1N1, it could be worse than other flu strains. With the exception of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic flu, the three flu seasons in which H3N2 strains were the most common had the greatest mortality rates, accounting for an average of more deaths per year, from 2003 to 2013.5
The bulk of the flu cases in the US in the first half of the 2014–2015 flu season were caused by a mutant strain of H3N2. The H3N2 influenza A strain included in that season’s vaccine was distinct from the mutant virus.
This is disappointing because it suggests the vaccine was not as effective in preventing flu as it may have been. Having said that, it doesn’t imply it was completely unsuccessful.
Signs of the H3N2 Flu
You should always be prepared for the flu, regardless of the strain that is now popular. A severe cough caused by an H3N2 virus infection can persist for up to three weeks, while the infection itself typically only lasts five or seven days.6 Typical flu symptoms, regardless of the type (H3N2 or another), include:
H3N2 Flu Prevention Strategies
Like other influenza viruses, H3N2 can be contained and propagated by following these steps:
When you sneeze or cough, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow. After you’ve used the tissue, dispose of it in the trash.
Use soap and water to wash your hands frequently, but particularly after touching anything infectious, such a cough or sneeze. An alcohol-based hand rub can be utilized in the absence of soap and water.
No touching of the eyes, nose, or mouth should be done. Because of this, germs might more easily spread.
Stay away from sick persons as much as possible.
It is important to remain at home if you are sick until you feel better.
If you want to keep the flu from spreading from pigs to humans, try these measures:3
Stay away from the swine barns and pigs during the fair if you’re very susceptible to severe flu problems.
Never enter a pig area with any kind of food or drink, and never put anything into your mouth while there.
Never enter a pig pen with a pacifier, cup, baby bottle, stroller, or any other similar object.
Always use soap and water to wash your hands thoroughly, both before and after handling pigs. You can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer in place of soap and water if you don’t have any on hand.
Stay well away from sick-looking pigs.
To avoid contracting an illness from sick pigs, it is imperative that you wear PPE such as protective clothes, gloves, and a face mask that covers both the nose and mouth.
Stay away from the pigs as much as possible in the arena and pig barn.
Summary
There is a subtype of the influenza A virus called H3N2 that can cause serious illness. When the H3N2 strain is the most common, flu seasons tend to be more severe. The rapid evolution of the influenza virus makes it challenging to detect and cure the disease, and creating a vaccine months before peak flu season is an even bigger challenge.
No matter what kind of influenza is in circulation each year, the symptoms are pretty much the same. If caught early enough, antiviral medicine may be part of the treatment plan; in the meanwhile, rest, plenty of water, and over-the-counter pain relievers should do the trick.
Rene Bennett is a graduate of New Jersey, where he played volleyball and annoyed a lot of professors. Now as Zobuz’s Editor, he enjoys writing about delicious BBQ, outrageous style trends and all things Buzz worthy.
