H3N2V INFLUENZA

H3N2v Influenza is a non-human influenza virus that mostly infects pigs but may also infect people. “Swine influenza viruses” are viruses that naturally spread in pigs. Whenever these viruses infect humans, they are referred to as “variant” viruses. A unique H3N2 virus having genes from avian, swine, and human influenza viruses, was discovered in 2011. The virus originally appeared in pigs in 2010 and was discovered in humans in 2011. 

Similar to how seasonal influenza viruses move between people, it is believed that contaminated droplets produced when sick pigs cough or sneeze spread the virus to humans. You may contract the infection if the droplets go in your mouth or nose or if you breathe them in. According to some data, you could become ill if you touch something with a virus on it before touching your own mouth or nose.

SYMPTOMS

H3N2v Influenza symptoms are comparable to those of seasonal flu viruses and might include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Sore throat
  • Lethargy 
  • Chills 
  • Lack of appetite

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnostic tests may include the following: 

  • Serological tests
      • Based on antigen/antibody 
      • Expensive and time taking
  • Nucleic acid-based tests
  • Based on the virus’s nucleic acid
  • Expensive 
  • Bio-sensing 
  • Depending on whether it is an antigen/antibody or a nucleic acid
  • Not expensive        

TREATMENT

Uncomplicated cases of seasonal influenza, whether H3N2 or another strain, are treated by managing symptoms until the patient recovers. It includes:

  • getting plenty of rest 
  • drinking enough fluids
  • using over-the-counter pain relievers to treat symptoms including fever, headache, and aches

Children and adults with H3N2v can be treated with the same antiviral medications used to treat seasonal flu. The best results come from early therapy, which is crucial for everyone with a high-risk illness. If your doctor has prescribed antiviral medicine, you must take the entire course of treatment as directed. Your doctor might recommend these medications;

  • Oseltamivir 
  • Zanamivir
  • Peramivir
  • Baloxavir

Related Articles

TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart defect that affects the [...]

TRICHINOSIS

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trichinosis, also known as trichinellosis, is a parasitic infection caused by [...]

TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Trigeminal neuralgia is a neurological condition characterized by severe facial pain. [...]