Recovering from H3N2 viral infection: what does it look like?

Several states across the country have reported a surge in the number of H3N2 viral infection cases, with Delhi being on high alert. The symptoms of the circulating subtype of the influenza A virus have ranged from mild to severe, and the recovery often depends on comorbidities and infection severity, say doctors.

“It is an acute illness and like any other flu, it will subside in four to five days even if you don’t take any medications,” says Dr Netto George, assistant professor in infectious diseases at Government Medical College, Kottayam. “Although the symptoms may be more severe initially, they will gradually improve,” he says.

“The disease, however, might get serious in someone with a compromised immune system- such as someone with cardiac issues, a kidney issue, interstitial lung disease (ILS) or any other such conditions. These are the people who must report to the hospital. For the others, it is pretty much a self-limiting disease,” says Dr George.

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H3N2: Rise in fever cases, Delhi on alert

Dr R Shankar Prasad, the medical director at St Philomena’s Hospital, Bengaluru, says that in mild cases, whenever a high-grade fever and severe dehydration are both present, hospital admissions may happen. “Most people that require admission get treated for about 48 hours before getting discharged,” he says.

“It is usually a minor infection. The cough can persist for three to four weeks,” says Dr Anoop Kumar AS, consultant and chief, critical care medicine, Baby Memorial Hospital, Kerala. He adds that in people with comorbidities, children and the elderly, people who had severe pneumonia while battling covid and have post-covid residual lung disease, the infection could cause complications, prolonging the recovery time.

He points out that pregnant women, children, healthcare personnel working in high-risk areas, people over 65 years and people with comorbidities should get the flu shot.

Fatigue, weakness may persist during recovery period

“Initially the fever might be very intense. During this time, antipyretics [medicines that reduce fever] may not work,” says Dr George, adding “The associated cough might persist for a few weeks. The person may also continue to experience fatigue, generalized weakness, muscle pain, headaches and rhinitis [irritation in the eyes, nose and throat] for one to two weeks post the infection.”

“Fatigue, after the recovery from infection, can persist for about two to four weeks depending on the individual,” says Dr Spoorthi Arun, internal medicine physician from Promed Hospital, Chennai. “The fatigue can persist for longer among individuals above 65 years, those with renal issues, diabetes, lung issues and the like.”

At-home recovery: what to expect

Dr George says it is important to look out for warning signs in those with mild symptoms who are being monitored at home. “In case of breathlessness, very high fever persisting for more than 48 hours, and if a person is immunocompromised, has any cardiac or kidney diseases, reporting to the hospital is a must. They may need antiviral medication,” he says.

“At home, keep a pulse oximeter handy and monitor your oxygen saturation. If it falls below 93 per cent, report to a hospital. Also, maintain a well-balanced diet. There are no dietary restrictions, both in terms of fluids and food,” he adds.

Dr Prasad says that precautionary measures like mask usage, hygiene and ensuring physical distance are necessary to prevent the spread.

H3N2 viral infection: recovering at home

“Hydration is key in fighting a viral infection and speeding up the recovery period,” says Dr Radha Balaji, pediatrician, Rajawadi Hospital, Mumbai.

Dr Arun outlines the following steps to follow while recovering from the infection at home:

Wholesome diet: The diet must focus on improving immunity. Immunity-boosting foods such as turmeric and garlic are advised. One must also consume foods rich in:

• Vitamin C (citric fruits, papaya, berries)
• Omega 3 fatty acids (seafood including salmon, sardines, mackerel; nuts such as walnuts and seeds such as flaxseeds)
• Antioxidants (eggplant, apples, raisins etc)

Take rest: Seven to eight hours of rest each day will help recover from the viral infection sooner. Rest can strengthen the body after a viral attack.

Psychological well-being: Stress can cause more fatigue in the individual. Being calm and stress-free will help one feel more energised.

Exercise: Dr Arun emphasises that while it is important to listen to your body, gentle stretches every day for a few minutes can also help in strengthening the body.

H3N2 in children

Children under the age of five, in whom the immune system has not fully developed, are more susceptible to catching a more severe form of the infection that can prolong recovery.

Dr Radha Balaji, pediatrician, Rajawadi Hospital, Mumbai, says that a typical episode of H3N2 viral infection in a child can last for at least ten to 12 days, from the time of diagnosis and treatment to recovery.

“Children who are admitted in hospitals are usually those who are not responding well to antipyretics, who are not able to eat properly, who are profusely vomiting and who have severe diarrhoea. For children who are able to eat and who do not have a fever persisting for more than 48 hours, the symptoms can be managed at home,” she adds.

Takeaways

• H3N2 viral infection causes fatigue, generalised weakness, muscle pain, headaches, rhinitis and persistent cough during recovery.
• For those in the low-risk category with mild symptoms, the infection can be managed at home, say doctors.
• Reporting to a hospital is a must if there are warning signs like breathlessness and very high fever persisting for over 48 hours.
• Use the pulse oximeter to monitor the oxygen saturation. If it falls below 93 per cent, report to a hospital.
• Maintaining a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting ample sleep, taking care of one’s psychological well-being and slowly strengthening one’s body through exercise are important for a speedy recovery.