India is again witnessing surge in Covid infections involving deaths, severe lung infection and the bad thing is H3N2 virus is also active. Let us see what all are these.
H3N2 and COVID-19 are two separate viruses that can cause respiratory illnesses in humans. H3N2 is a strain of the influenza A virus that has been circulating in humans since the 1960s, and COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that emerged in late 2019.
There is currently no evidence to suggest that H3N2 and COVID-19 can combine or mutate into a single virus. However, it is possible for a person to become infected with both viruses at the same time, which could potentially lead to more severe illness.
It is important to note that both H3N2 and COVID-19 can cause serious respiratory illness, and the symptoms can be similar, such as fever, cough, and fatigue. However, there are some differences in the symptoms and transmission of the two viruses, and they are caused by different types of viruses.
The best way to protect against both H3N2 and COVID-19 is to get vaccinated against each virus, practice good hand hygiene, wear a mask when in close contact with others, and practice physical distancing.
H3N2
H3N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus, which is a type of virus that can cause respiratory illness in humans. H3N2 has been circulating in humans since the late 1960s and is responsible for seasonal flu outbreaks that occur each year.
Like other strains of the flu, H3N2 can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, and headache. In some cases, H3N2 can lead to more severe illness, particularly in people who are at higher risk for complications, such as young children, older adults, and people with underlying health conditions.
H3N2 is a highly contagious virus that can spread easily from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It can also be spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes.
The best way to prevent H3N2 is to get vaccinated against the flu each year, practice good hand hygiene, cover your cough or sneeze, and avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you do become infected with H3N2, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter medications to help relieve symptoms. In some cases, antiviral medications may be prescribed to help reduce the severity and duration of illness.
Covid
COVID-19, also known as coronavirus disease 2019, is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and has since spread globally, resulting in a pandemic.
COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, including fever, cough, difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle aches, and loss of taste or smell. Some people may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea or diarrhea. In some cases, COVID-19 can lead to severe illness, particularly in older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes. It can also be spread by touching a surface or object contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated, wear a mask in indoor public settings, practice physical distancing, and practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer.
Treatment for COVID-19 is primarily supportive, meaning that treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing care to prevent complications. In some cases, antiviral medications or other therapies may be used to help reduce the severity and duration of illness.
What happens when a patient gets infected with both?
If a patient is infected with both H3N2 and COVID-19 at the same time, it is possible that they could experience more severe illness than if they were infected with either virus alone. Both viruses can cause respiratory illness, and having both infections at once could potentially lead to more severe symptoms and complications.
Some of the potential complications of co-infection with H3N2 and COVID-19 could include severe respiratory distress, pneumonia, and respiratory failure. Co-infection could also increase the risk of hospitalization and death.
However, it is important to note that co-infection with both viruses is relatively rare, and most people who become infected with either H3N2 or COVID-19 recover without experiencing any severe complications.
The best way to protect against co-infection with H3N2 and COVID-19 is to get vaccinated against both viruses, practice good hand hygiene, wear a mask when in close contact with others, and practice physical distancing. If you experience symptoms of either illness, contact your healthcare provider for advice on testing and treatment.
Long Covid
Long COVID, also known as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC), is a term used to describe a wide range of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after a person has initially contracted COVID-19.
While the majority of people with COVID-19 recover within a few weeks, some people continue to experience symptoms long after their initial illness has resolved. These symptoms can be both physical and cognitive, and can vary widely from person to person. Common physical symptoms of long COVID include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, joint pain, and headaches. Cognitive symptoms can include brain fog, difficulty concentrating, and memory problems.
It’s important to note that the exact cause of long COVID is not yet fully understood. Some researchers believe that it may be due to lingering viral particles in the body, while others believe it could be a result of an overactive immune response or damage to organs and tissues during the acute phase of the illness.
Long COVID can affect people of all ages, including those who experienced mild or asymptomatic cases of COVID-19. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms after a COVID-19 infection, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss your options for management and treatment.
The best way is to implement Covid protocol till the situation stabilizes. Although this current stain of corona virus is not deadly and in most of the cases no severe symptoms are reported but still it can weaken your immune system and you may have long covid which we discussed just now.
Be safe
Dr Neeraj Kaushik, Founder Kaushik Acupuncture , COVID   certifications  by WHO.