What are preventive measures taken to protect family members from getting H3N2 infection?

Question

Hi doctor,

My son is 28 years old. He has suffered from fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, and diarrhea. His doctor diagnosed him with an H3N2 infection. How to take care of him? What are the other general measures to be taken to protect other family members from getting this infection? Do we have any vaccination for this infection? Kindly help us.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

As you have mentioned, your son is showing typical symptoms related to H3N2, a type of influenza A. Usually, it lasts up to seven days and sometimes longer. Symptomatic treatment is required. He should get these investigations done, such as complete blood count, C-reactive protein, serological tests for influenza, and urine analysis. I suggest he take rest, drink enough fluids, and take an over-the-counter medication like Paracetamol 650 mg six to eight hourly, Cetrizine 10 mg once daily, and vitamin C 1 gm daily for a few days to relieve symptoms such as fever, headache, and aches. Consult a specialist doctor, talk with them, and take medications with their consent. Doctors may sometimes prescribe an antiviral medication, such as Seltamivir. But it has to be started within 48 hours of developing symptoms. Preventive measures will include isolation, wearing a face mask, washing hands with soap frequently, stay at home 24 hours after clearing the fever symptoms of the flu to prevent transmission to others. There is no specific vaccine for H3N2, but it is a good practice to receive a yearly trivalent vaccine which includes H1N1 and H3N2 strains.

Thank you.