H3N2v is a non-human influenza virus that normally circulates in pigs but can infect humans.
How can a person catch the flu from a pig?
H3N2v virus is spread from infected pigs to humans in the same way that seasonal influenza (flu) viruses spread between people. Mainly, the spread of flu happens when droplets infected with flu - spread through the air after an infected pig coughs or sneezes - land in your nose or mouth, or when the droplets are inhaled. You might also get the flu by touching something that has flu virus on it and then touching your own eyes, nose, or mouth. A third way to possibly get the flu is to breath in dust containing flu virus.
Is H3N2v dangerous?
Currently, the severity of human illness associated with H3N2v resembles that of seasonal flu.
Keep in mind that even seasonal influenza can be a serious disease. Sometimes seasonal influenza can lead to complications (like pneumonia). It also can lead to hospitalization and even death.
What are the symptoms of H3N2v?
The symptoms and severity of H3N2v illness have been similar to seasonal flu, including fever, cough, runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, vomiting, or diarrhea.
People who are considered at high risk for developing flu-related complications are the following: Children less than five years of age (especially children less than two years of age), adults 65 years of age and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, weakened immune systems, and neurological conditions. If you develop flu symptoms after having direct or close contact with swine, contact your doctor and tell them your symptoms and about your contact with pigs.
preventive actions
•Don’t take food or drink into pig areas; don’t eat, drink or put anything in your mouth in pig areas.
•Don’t take toys, pacifiers, cups, baby bottles, strollers, or similar items into pig areas.
•Wash your hands often with soap and running water before and after exposure to pigs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
•Avoid close contact with pigs that look or act ill.
•Take protective measures if you must come in contact with pigs that are known or suspected to be sick. This includes minimizing contact with pigs and wearing personal protective equipment like protective clothing, gloves and masks that cover your mouth and nose when contact is required.
•Watch your pig (if you have one) for signs of illness and call a veterinarian if you suspect it might be sick.
•Avoid contact with pigs if you have flu-like symptoms. Wait 7 days after your illness started or until you have been without fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, whichever is longer. If you must have contact with pigs while you are sick, take the protective actions listed above.
How Is H3N2v Influenza Treated?
Treatment for flu with the H3N2 virus involves primarily providing relief from the symptoms. Most cases of flu have milder symptoms and do not require any medical attention or anti-viral medications.
•Primary Care:
•Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest.
•Salt water gargling by combining a cup of warm water and salt can help with relieving the pain from sore throat.
•The doctor may prescribe decongestants in patients with sinus or nasal congestion. They come in oral or nasal spray forms and help in reducing the swelling of the nasal passages. However, they are advised to be taken only for a few days.
•In patients with cough, the clinician may prescribe cough medications in a combination of antihistamines, decongestants, cough suppressants, analgesics, and expectorants.
•The patient may take over-the-counter medications such as Acetaminophen, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce body temperature in fever and to treat body aches and headaches.
•Patients are advised to apply heat packs or warm towels to relieve muscle aches.
•Anti-Viral Drug.
A. Oseltamivir: Anti-viral drug which comes under the group of neuraminidase inhibitors. It comes in capsule and liquid form taken via the oral route. They are usually taken twice a day for five days. This drug works by ceasing the spread of the virus in the body.
B. Zanamivir: This antiviral drug also comes under the group of neuraminidase inhibitors. They are prescribed for adults and children of age seven years and older. They help in relieving the symptoms of the flu. They come in powder form which is inhaled through the mouth. They are taken two times a day for five days.
Physiotherapy Management :
Thermo Therapy : example - (steam inhalation) reduce Pain . increase secretion.
Breathing Exercises : prevent Cough .
Stretching exercises : reduce body ache.
