H3N2 virus: Why is it taking so long to recover from an infection? Will I get COVID-19 too? Why is my fever lasting long?

The reason H3N2 can be so exhausting is that it is known to cause prolonged effects that can last for weeks or even months. Some of these effects include fatigue, weakness, joint pain, and shortness of breath. These symptoms can be frustrating and can make it difficult to resume your normal activities. In extreme cases of symptoms persisting over a longer time, some doctors are recommending physical therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation or other treatments to get people back on their feet.

WHY IS THE DISEASE MANIFESTATION SO SEVERE?

“The virus strains keep on mutating and this year’s strain seems to be virulent and debilitating. In our over-obsession with COVID-19, we seem to forget that influenza viruses mutate, tend to challenge existing immunity and have severe manifestations as well. In fact, we tend to be complacent about the flu. Or that we are exposed to them season after season, not for one-time. And though we are rigorous about testing for COVID-19, we are exposed to all kinds of coronaviruses and are very lax about getting ourselves tested for the flu virus. Remember they will keep on coming. Early diagnosis leads to early intervention which can ease severity of the disease,” Dr Nikhil Modi, Consultant, Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. However, he assures, that at the moment he has not seen patients with a combination of COVID-19 and H3N2 flu. “COVID-19 cases have so far been mild and are not alarming at the moment,” he assures.

Of course, the prolonged effects of H3N2 are largely respiratory, he says. “As for those experiencing a longer spell of fever, we must understand that it is an inflammatory reaction to the viral attack on our immunity system. So the newness of the infection may cause a body response and the fever might stay a bit longer after the virus goes away,” says Dr Modi.

Besides, with several strains circulating, one bout of infection may give us immunity to one strain; it doesn’t mean we are equipped to tackle another strain. “So some of us are getting a second round of infections too. Then external factors like environmental allergens, pollutants and pollens are complicating the recovery process in infected individuals. If you are prone to bronchial allergies and asthma, then chances are you are more prone to suffering,” he adds.

Many patients ask doctors if COVID-19 has compromised their immunity so much as to cause such prolonged, debilitating effects. “While there has been no scientific proof of this and immunity is something which we have acquired through an evolutionary process and is, therefore, strong enough, what has happened is that we had become used to living in insular and controlled indoor environment settings for over two years of the pandemic. Our bodies had adapted to the new habitat of interacting with lesser microbes. So when the lockdowns ended and people stepped out like they used to, they gave up all the COVID-preventive protocols like mask-wearing and physical distancing. This sudden exposure to bacteria and viruses is the reason that our immune systems are feeling overwhelmed. Given the pollutant overload, wearing masks and physical distancing in crowded settings are recommended going forward to limit the window of exposure,” explains Dr Modi.

This is particularly important for those with co-morbidities, who are predisposed to complications and severities given their conditions of diabetes, heart or lung disease, cancer and immune-suppressant therapies, and vulnerable age groups like children and the elderly.

He advises taking the flu shot annually. “In the West flu vaccines get updated according to developing strains and people take them annually. These updated vaccines are available in India and are affordable too. But here, except those suffering from chronic lung illnesses, nobody takes them. Changed and evolving strains of the flu may not be covered by antibodies already formed by past flu shots. That’s why we need to keep taking them annually, and since they need four to six weeks to take effect, go for them before the onset of flu season,” advises Dr Modi.

HOW TO HANDLE RECOVERY?

Recovery is just as important in strengthening the body and immune systems after a H3N2 infection. And that has a process of its own. Says Dr Tarun Sahani, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, “One of the most important things you can do to help your body fight off the H3N2 virus is to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. The virus can cause fatigue and weakness, and resting can help your body conserve energy to fight off the infection. Hydration helps to keep the mucus membranes of your nasal passages moist which enables them to trap viral invaders before they enter the body. Drinking water also allows for increased oxygen circulation, which ensures that all your systems have enough oxygen to remove toxins efficiently and speed up recovery.”

He suggests foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins that support recovery. “Avoid sugary and processed foods that can weaken your immune system and exacerbate symptoms. Also avoid over-exerting your body with exercises, as this can worsen symptoms and, in some cases, lead to extreme fatigue and body pain. If your symptoms persist or worsen, do not hesitate to seek medical attention,” he says.