On December 12, the first case of Influenza type H3N2 was detected, which is a variant of the influenza A virus. We will share with you the symptoms of the so-called “superflu” and how to differentiate it from a common cold.
The name of this new strain comes from the proteins present on its surface: hemagglutinin 3 (H3) and neuraminidase 2 (N2), which allow the virus to adhere to human cells and multiply within the body..
It was identified for the first time in pigs in the United States in 2010. It includes the M gene, also present in the H1N1 pandemic variant, which increases its transmission capacity between people and favors its rapid spread in communities.
Symptoms of a common flu vs H3N2 influenza
Given the first confirmed case in Mexico, we will tell you which symptoms may indicate the contagion of the new strain and which would correspond to a common flu.
H3N2 flu symptoms
The disease usually begins abruptly and can be confused with other respiratory conditions.
- Fever above 39°C
- Joint pain
- muscle pain
- Intense and persistent cough
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- General feeling of discomfort
- Nasal congestion
- sneezing
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Symptoms of the common cold (Medline Plus)
Colds can occur at any time of the year, but are more common in winter or rainy seasons.
- Nasal congestion
- Inflammation of the sinuses
- clears throat
- sneezing
- Tos
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
- Sore throat
- muscle pain
The main differences
H3N2 influenza causes high fever, joint pain, severe cough, and general malaise, symptoms that do not occur with the common cold..
Given the sustained increase in infections, Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of the British National Health Serviceurged the population to resume the use of masks in public spaces, especially when respiratory symptoms occur, even if they are mild.
With information from SUN and MedLine Plus.
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