COVID and H3N2 influenza
COVID-19 and H3N2 influenza are both respiratory viral diseases. India is witnessing a spike in cases of both COVID as well as the flu. People are advised to follow preventive measures of the pandemic to remain risk free.
Both the infections have several similar symptoms and according to experts, it is possible for the two viruses to co-exist, leading to co-infection. However, as per experts, the probability of getting COVID-19 and H3N2 flu at the same time is very low.
How co-infection happens?
SARS CoV-2 and H3N2 influenza both are transmitted through droplets and can infect someone else through the inhalation route. A person can get infected from both the illnesses at the same time, either getting both the infections from one patient or from two different patients.
Who is at risk?
Health risk is higher in people who have poor immunity, are on steroids or immunosuppressive drugs, or have comorbidities like liver, kidney, or heart disease. Those who are cancer patients or have received an organ transplant are also at higher risk.
Treatment
People with dual infections are not advised to take antibiotics. You just need to treat your symptoms to manage the viral disease, according to experts. Adequate hydration and proper rest are important for recovery.
It is best to consult your doctor if you are not feeling well and suspect you may be infected. People at higher risk as those with conditions mentioned above should not skip consulting their doctor.
Common signs to not ignore
There are several symptoms that could develop from either or both the viral infections. These include fever, cough, body ache, sore throat, loose stools, weakness, stuffiness of nose, sneezing, loss of smell, earache and nausea. It is best to get tested as soon as you get symptoms. H3N2 influenza is known to cause prolonged symptoms that can last for weeks or even months.
COVID-19 and H3N2 influenza can be diagnosed with the help of RT-PCR tests (available individually and in combination).
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Is co-infection serious?
Having co-infection does not necessarily mean that your illness will be very serious. According to experts, severity of viral infections depends on multiple factors such as the infected person’s immunity, comorbidities, vaccination status etc.
If you are vaccinated with both influenza and COVID vaccines, you can still catch the infection but are unlikely to develop severe illness despite co-infection.
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