Influenza A virus subtype H3N2 (A/H3N2) is a subtype of viruses that cause influenza. H3N2 Viruses can infect birds and mammals. H3N2 is increasingly abundant in seasonal influenza. One notable outbreak of H3N2 occurred in Hong Kong in 1968, the virus is therefore commonly referred to as the “Hong Kong Flu”. The virus spreads through airborne avenues and is highly contagious.
Transmission:
Influenza viruses mainly spread through droplets when infected people cough, sneeze or talk. These particles and droplets contain the virus pathogens. Infected persons may pass the viruses to other people 1 day before and up to 5 – 7 days after they develop symptoms.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of Influenza A Strain do not differ from other varieties of seasonal influenza. For healthy individuals, seasonal influenza is usually self-limiting with recovery within a week. Symptoms may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Vomiting and diarrhea (rare cases)
