4 Major Reasons Why Experts Are Concerned About H3N2

India has witnessed a concerning surge in H3N2 influenza cases and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions in recent days. Although experts advise against panicking over the transmission of this non-human influenza virus, it is recommended to adopt additional precautions. As testing efforts intensify, cases are emerging from various parts of the country.

Seasonal influenza, marked by acute respiratory infections caused by circulating influenza viruses worldwide, tends to peak during specific periods of the year. The prevalence of cases is anticipated to decline by the end of March, following a surge from January to March annually.

State surveillance officers are adequately prepared to address this public health challenge. The virus manifests with symptoms such as persistent coughing and other respiratory issues. Experts attribute the swift increase in H3N2 influenza cases in India to the abrupt temperature fluctuations, ranging from extremely cold to warm.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) express concern about H3N2 for various reasons. This article delves into these concerns in greater detail.

# Even healthy people can get severe influenza infections

Initially, the CDC expresses apprehension regarding the H3N2 influenza virus due to the potential for severe illness, even among individuals in good health, resulting from infections with influenza viruses, including variants like H3N2.

The heightened concern with the H3N2 virus stems from its increased propensity to lead to severe complications, notably pneumonia, and its capacity to cause hospitalization, and in certain instances, fatalities. Consequently, it is crucial to implement preventive measures to guard against the transmission of this virus.

# The virus seems to spread more easily to humans

Furthermore, the H3N2 virus exhibits a heightened capacity for human transmission compared to other swine influenza viruses. This increased transmissibility is believed to be a result of the virus undergoing mutations and adapting more effectively to human cells, facilitating its easier spread from pigs to humans. Additionally, the virus demonstrates an extended persistence in the environment, enhancing the likelihood of human exposure to it over a prolonged period.

# Rapid change in virus behaviour

The CDC also harbors concerns regarding the dynamic nature of influenza viruses, which are continually undergoing changes. There exists the potential for the H3N2v virus to undergo alterations, leading to increased human-to-human transmission.

This concern stems from the H3N2v virus being a hybrid variant capable of spreading from pigs to humans. Its perpetual evolution and mutation pose challenges in predicting the extent of its changes and the potential impact on human populations.

# Children born after 2001 have little immunity to H3N2.

Due to research conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other organizations, it has been observed that children born after 2001 possess minimal immunity against H3N2. Conversely, many adults exhibit higher immunity levels owing to prior exposure to similar viruses over the course of their lives.