H3N2 virus Symptoms and Causes and how to Avoid

 H3N2 virus Symptoms and Causes and how to Avoid 

H3N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus that can cause respiratory illness in humans. It is a seasonal virus that circulates mainly in the winter months, and it can cause outbreaks of varying severity. The virus can spread through contact with respiratory secretions, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms and causes of H3N2 virus and how to avoid it.

Symptoms of H3N2 virus:

The symptoms of H3N2 virus are similar to those of other types of influenza. They usually appear one to three days after exposure to the virus and can last up to a week. 

The symptoms can include:\

Fever

Cough

Sore throat

Body aches

Fatigue

Headache

Chills

Runny or stuffy nose

In some cases, H3N2 virus can lead to more severe illness, such as pneumonia, especially in older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions.

Causes of H3N2 virus:

H3N2 virus is caused by the influenza A virus, which belongs to the family Orthomyxoviridae. The virus has two surface proteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), which can mutate frequently. These mutations can make it difficult for the body's immune system to recognize and fight the virus, leading to outbreaks of the disease.

H3N2 virus can be transmitted from person to person through respiratory secretions, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, such as doorknobs or telephones.

How to avoid H3N2 virus:

The best way to avoid H3N2 virus is to take preventive measures, such as:

Get vaccinated: The flu vaccine can protect against H3N2 virus, as well as other strains of the flu virus. It is recommended that everyone over the age of 6 months receive a flu vaccine each year.

Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Cover your mouth and nose: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, and immediately dispose of used tissues.

Avoid close contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home if you are sick.

Clean and disinfect: Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and countertops.

H3N2 virus is a subtype of the influenza A virus that can cause respiratory illness in humans. The symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, headache, chills, and runny or stuffy nose. The virus is transmitted through respiratory secretions and contact with contaminated surfaces. To avoid H3N2 virus, it is important to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, cover your mouth and nose, avoid close contact, and clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.