Influenza H3N2: The new COVID-19 like virus that is taking over hospitals; Take a look at its most typical symptoms

The H3N2 influenza subtype is currently a major contributor to the rise in respiratory illnesses, and the majority of patients report symptoms similar to COVID-19.

Despite some reprieve from coronavirus, a new COVID-19 like flu is currently bringing patients to hospitals. The H3N2 influenza subtype is currently a major contributor to the rise in respiratory illnesses, and the majority of patients report symptoms similar to COVID-19.

A H3N2 was found to have influenced roughly half of all inpatient severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) and outpatient influenza-like illnesses, according to data. The ICMR has stated that it has already begun pan respiratory virus surveillance in response to the increase in cases. This is a look at the H3N2 influenza subtype’s symptoms, warnings, and other pertinent details.

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What are the H3N2 influenza subtype’s most typical symptoms?

The majority of H3N2 influenza patients report symptoms similar to COVID-19, such as fever, coughing, and dyspnea. And ICMR noted that compared to other influenza subtypes, this subtype appeared to be more likely to result in hospitalizations.

“Out of the hospitalized SARI patients with influenza A H3N2. About 92 per cent are suffering from fever, 86 per cent from cough, 27 per cent from breathlessness, 16 per cent with wheezing, and additionally, 16 per cent had clinical signs of pneumonia and 6 per cent has seizures. Also, 10 per cent of SARI patients who have H3N2 needed oxygen, and 7 per cent required ICU care,” ICMR said.

What safety measures should one take to prevent contracting the virus?

People should keep following the fundamental COVID-19 guidelines to prevent exposure to the new virus.

“The Dos include washing hands with soap and water. If symptomatic, wear masks and avoid crowded places, cover mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing, take plenty of fluids, avoid touching eyes and nose, and take paracetamol for fever and body ache”. ICMR said.

“The Don’ts include shaking hands or using other contact greetings, spitting in public, taking antibiotics or other medicines without consulting a doctor, eating together sitting close to others,” it further said.

How do you tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19?

Tests are the greatest way to accomplish this. According to Dr. Arjun Dang, CEO of Dr. Dangs Lab, H3N2 influenza cases are being recorded more frequently than H1N1 influenza cases.

“In the past few weeks, we’ve gotten more than a few 100 tests out of which a lot of them are positive for H3N2. But it’s interesting to see that we are getting less H1N1 positive.” He stated.

(With inputs from agencies)