H3N2 Influenza vs COVID-19: Two different viruses are spreading rapidly at this time. A few months ago we were only concerned about the variant of COVID that was causing the coronavirus. However, since the last few days a new virus has emerged and it has posed a great danger to the people. We are talking about the H3N2 seasonal influenza A virus and more recently XBB 1.16 of COVID. Both these viruses dominate at the moment.
Are the symptoms of both the viruses similar?
No, although both may seem similar to us due to similar symptoms in people getting infected but these are different viruses and hence need to be tackled differently. H3N2 is a common virus that causes seasonal influenza. This is not a new virus. It is similar to the Influenza A virus. XBB causes COVID Corona virus. XBB is the BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75 sublineages, both of which are omicron viruses of the coronavirus. 2019 till date Corona virus Many variants have come, the main of which is Omicron. XBB 1.16 is a variant of the XBB variant.
How is COVID XBB infection different from H3N2 infection?
While no difference can be made between the two infections just by looking at the symptoms, a medical test can help you differentiate between the two. Symptoms of H3N2 infection are wheezing, cough, high fever and pneumonia. The classic COVID symptoms are headache, body aches, fatigue, sore throat and runny or stuffy nose. Both the viruses are spreading on a large scale in the country, that is why it is necessary to get tested whenever symptoms appear. Apart from medical tests, hygiene guidelines should also be followed to reduce it. Both these viruses spread to a healthy person by coming in direct contact with an infected person, by physical contact, by contact with droplets of air coming out of the nose and mouth.
How to prevent these infections?
Wearing a mask in open places can reduce the entry of the virus from an infected person to a healthy person. Apart from this, keeping the hands clean and sanitizing before touching the face is the key to keep the body safe from the virus. Avoid touching exposed surfaces in public places and frequently visited areas at home, which should be cleaned at regular intervals. If you have children or elders in your house, then keep in mind that the air inside the house should come properly.
Disclaimer: Before following the methods, methods and suggestions mentioned in this article, do take the advice of a doctor or a related expert.
Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index ( BMI )
