H3N2 flu is a variant of H3N2 influenza virus, which infected 321 individuals in the US in 2012 and 2011. This virus initially occurred among pigs and is called swine influenza. This virus does not actually spread among people or infect people. The H3N2 flu is extremely different from human seasonal influenza viruses. Most cases of this virus infection in 2012 and 2011 have resulted in symptoms similar to the seasonal flu – fever, sore throat, runny nose and muscular aches. Some individuals were even hospitalized and eventually recovered. However, there was 1 reported death of an older adult with multiple underlying health conditions. It was reported in August 2012 in Ohio.
The person was reportedly had direct contact with pigs. Most cases of H3N2 flu occurred after close or direct contact with pigs and most of these exposures have been at country agricultural fairs. Indeed, all types of flu have the same symptoms. Although the common cold and flu have similar symptoms, the flu tends to be more severe. Cough, body aches, tiredness and fever are just some of the common symptoms of flu. Listed below are a few typical symptoms of H3N2 flu.
- Sore throat and/or cough
- 100⁰F or even higher fever and/or feeling feverish
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Chills
- Headaches and body aches
- Even fatigue
- Vomiting, nausea and diarrhea commonly seen in children
The common colds and the flu have similar symptoms. It can be hard to tell the difference between them. Your health care provider can provide a test within the 1st few days of your illness to identify whether or not you have the H3N2 flu. Certainly, the flu is worse compared to the common colds among humans. Symptoms such as body aches, fever, cough and tiredness are more common and intense with H3N2 flu. People suffering from common colds are more likely to have a stuffy or runny nose. People need to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Pressure or pain in the abdomen or chest
- Blue or purple discoloration of the lips
- Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Flu like symptoms that develop, but then return with worse cough and fever
The H3N2 flu can likely spread to humans from infected pigs. In some instances, the H3N2 flu has even spread between people. This happens similar to way seasonal flu viruses spread through close or direct contact with sick people who might spread their infections through sneezes or coughs. Since there have been only few instances of transmitting H3N2 flu viruses from person to person, it is now considered less contagious among humans than the seasonal flu viruses. In order to avoid H3N2 flu virus, you should follow a healthy lifestyle to keep you healthy this season. Moreover, avoid close direct contact with animals, especially pigs that act or look sick. This way, you can make sure that you’ll be able to avoid it and stay healthy.
