Influenza A3 is a variant of the influenza virus, also known as the “seasonal flu”. Flu viruses mutate with alarming speed, which has resulted in many variants of these very contagious pathogens. Influenza A3 contains strains of influenza of avian and human varieties. The A3 influenza virus is responsible for several high profile epidemics, including the Hong Kong flu of 1968-1969, killing over 1 million people worldwide.
Transmission:
Influenza A3 is transmitted in much the same way that other similar influenza variants are transmitted. Particles from an infected person can be encountered through physical contact, airborne particles, or contact with surfaces and objects that have become infected.
Symptoms:
Though highly contagious, flu infection is rarely fatal for healthy adults and most children. Symptoms do not differ greatly from other strains of the influenza virus but can be considered dangerous for the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, or small children. These include:
- Fever
- Body and joint ache
- Fatigue
- Dry cough
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
