With the drop in temperatures, the cases of acute respiratory infections (IRAS) and Influenza A (H3N2), which has led the Ministry of Health (Minsa) to launch an epidemiological alert to strengthen prevention and timely detection measures for its control.
MORE INFORMATION: Minsa issues epidemiological alert for A(H3N2) cases in various regions of the country
In some regions such as Ayacucho, Piura and Lima, especially, cases of Influenza A (H3N2) have increased and there has been one death, so the National Center for Epidemiology, Prevention and Control of Diseases of the Minsa (CDC) launched the epidemiology alert to public and private establishments at the national level in order to strengthen epidemiological surveillance.
Given the alert given, it is important to know more about this virus, which is contagious. Do you know how it is transmitted? What symptoms does it cause? Pay attention to the note.
WHAT IS THE AH3N2 INFLUENZA?
Influenza A H3N2 virus-variant (also known as H3N2v virus) was first identified in pigs in the United States in 2010. The virus (H3N2) has the M gene which has been identified in the pandemic H1N1 virus, this gene causes increased human-to-human transmissibility, indicates the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) from the United States.
H3N2 also wreaked havoc during the 1997-98 and 2003-04 seasons, and was dubbed the “Hong Kong flu” in 1968.
HOW IS AH3N2 SPREAD?
Like other types of influenza, AH3N2 spreads through droplets, which are produced by coughing, sneezing, laughing, singing or talking. These small droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. You can also get it when you contaminate your hands by covering your mouth or nose and then touching a surface or object, or another person’s hand.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF AH3N2?
Symptoms usually present with sudden onset fever
- Cough.
- Throat pain.
- Runny nose.
- Muscle pain.
- Headache (headache).
- General discomfort.
- loss of appetite
- Diarrhea and nausea.
HOW IS THE AH3N2 OUTBREAK IN PERU?
According to reports from the National Institute of Health (INS), the circulation of the Influenza A (H3N2) virus has been maintained continuously with an increase in cases between epidemiological weeks (EW) 13 and 16 2022, with an average of reported cases is 33 weekly cases. From the end of 2021 to the first half of April, 169 cases of Influenza A (H3N2) have been registered. The Ayacucho region concentrates 37.9% of the cases, followed by Piura (30.8%). In addition, it has been detected in EW 16 (04/21/2022), that DIRIS Lima Sur presented an outbreak of Influenza A (H3N2) in an Army facility, with 22 cases; A case of co-infection with Rhinovirus and another with SARS-CoV-2 has also been identified; and, one deceased.
HOW CAN THE H3N2 FLU BE SPREAD THROUGH PIGS?
Influenza A (H3N2) also called swine flu can be transmitted from pigs to people and from people to pigs, according to the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD) from the United States.
Indicates that “Transmission from infected pigs to humans is thought to occur in the same way that seasonal influenza viruses are spread between people, primarily through infected droplets formed when a sick pig coughs or sneezes. If these droplets land in your nose or mouth or you inhale them, you can become infected.”.
There is also evidence that you could become infected by touching something contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth or nose. A third possible way of becoming infected is by inhaling particles that contain the influenza virus. However, scientifically it is not known which is the most common form of contagion.
WHAT PREVENTION MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST H3N2 INFLUENZA?
These are some recommendations from the National Center for Epidemiology, Prevention and Disease Control of the Minsa (CDC).
- Annual influenza vaccination is the first and most important step in protecting against influenza viruses.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. And in case you are sick, limit contact with other people as much as possible to avoid transmitting the infection to them.
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing (Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue (paper) when coughing or sneezing and throw the tissue in the trash after using it).
- People with respiratory symptoms should wear a mask, as well as the people who care for them.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. If there is no soap and water, use alcohol gel.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with the viruses that cause influenza.
