Stating that the H3N2 type of influenza A virus is common in recent days, Prof. Dr. Aynur Eren Topkaya said, "Although this disease is similar to swine flu, it is a different type of flu that causes an epidemic every few years. It is more severe in adults and children alike”...
Complaints such as cough, fever, and muscle aches have been very common for a while. Therefore, these symptoms cause concern about whether it is Covid-19 or influenza. However, stating that influenza A is common in the H3N2 type, which causes similar symptoms with coronavirus sub-variants, Yeditepe University Hospitals Department of Medical Microbiology Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology, Dr. Aynur Eren Topkaya answered my questions on this subject as follows...

Similar Like Swine Flu

Which upper respiratory tract infection is common in recent days? 

The H3N2 type of influenza virus we have detected recently. Although it is similar to swine flu, this virus is a different type of influenza that causes an outbreak every few years. It is more severe in adults and children alike”... It is making more severe outbreaks than seasonal influenza, which we currently detect in the majority of patients presenting with upper respiratory tract complaints.

Measures Have Been Taken and Diseases Have Increased

Was that expected?

Yes, because the influenza virus is transmitted in the same way as the coronavirus. In the last 3 years, many measures have been taken due to Covid-19, the first of which is the mask. Thanks to these strict measures, we prevented the spread of influenza and other respiratory microbes with the coronavirus, but now the masks have come off and the measures have been removed. However, since there have been no epidemics caused by these viruses in society for a few years, people's sensitivity to them has increased. Every year, as we face disease, our immunity increases. Since we have not encountered these viruses in a few years, many people are now at risk of contracting viral respiratory diseases. Hence, more people are affected by viruses that cause upper respiratory tract infections this year.

Some Cases Reach Over Pneumonia

Has the virus gotten stronger?

Yes, there are also differences in the genetic makeup of this virus every year. We encounter the influenza virus every year as it has already undergone constant genetic changes. However, we can say that we are faced with a virus that has changed genetically more than 3-4 years ago since it has not been able to move freely in society thanks to Covid-19 measures a few years. Since society did not encounter this virus, we faced the risk of being affected by the virus due to both the decrease in immunity and the genetic change in the structure of the virus. Hence, a common disease picture is experienced today with such severe symptoms. High fever, bone pain, joint pain, muscle pain, extreme fatigue, weakness, and even severe forms of pneumonia in people with suppressed immune systems began.

Are the complaints more severe?

Compared to previous years, we see that complaints are more severe in both adults and children. Interestingly, it is also quite busy in children. For example, one in three children who present with upper respiratory tract complaints currently develops influenza A. Complaints take longer.

Is H3N2 dangerous? 

Of course, it is dangerous. Because it may cause severe impairment of respiratory functions in adults, it may cause a decrease in oxygen in the patient. This can lead to attention deficit disorder, a picture that can go as far as impaired mental function. The biggest problem in children is water loss. Since high fever causes fluid loss, this leads to impaired function of other cells. Thus, both adult and pediatric patients should consume fluids. If there is a problem with fluid consumption, it is necessary to ensure the fluid balance of the body by inserting serum. Hence, it is important to monitor fire and water loss very closely.

Masks Should Be Used Indoors

What should chronic patients pay attention to?

In fact, we have a good habit of wearing masks in closed and crowded environments that we have acquired in the last three years. It will be useful to win it again. We recommend that those with chronic diseases such as COPD and heart disease wear masks in crowded areas both in this period and in winter.
Furthermore, we recommend that especially those with different underlying diseases and those in the older age group get flu vaccines. Of course, it will also strengthen the immune system, regular and quality sleep, healthy nutrition, and outdoor walks will also benefit. However, it is also important that those with chronic diseases do not stay indoors as long as possible. Vaccination is always the most important way of protection against viral diseases. For this reason, it should not be forgotten that the most significant protection method against influenza is vaccination. We recommend the vaccine, especially for the group with advanced age and underlying disease. Apart from this, we recommend wearing masks again in the crowd and on public transport.

Should People Who Are Sick Still Get the Flu Vaccine? 

If you have been tested and diagnosed with influenza, you do not need to be vaccinated. 

How to Diagnose H3N2?

Symptoms are sudden onset fever, muscle pain, weakness, sore throat, nasal congestion, and cough.

Beware If The Fever Lasts More Than 3 Days

When Should a Doctor Be Consulted?

We can look at respiratory factors at the same time in both rapid tests and molecular PCR tests that we are currently using. After the test, if the person is suffering from the disease very severely for both influenza and Covid, he/she may need to be hospitalized. But if it is not too heavy, the precautions are the same for both of them. First, you need to rest. It is important that schoolchildren are not sent to school and that working adults are rested at home. Liquid consumption is essential as well. If the fever lasts longer than three days, a physician should be consulted and evaluated for a lung infection.

Press Coverage: sozcu