New cases of corona virus have increased in many states of the country including Maharashtra and Gujarat in the past, due to which a new sub-variant of XBB variant is believed to be XBB 1.16 (XBB 1.16). Although there has been no death due to corona recently, there are also reports of death of many people due to H3N2 virus.
It is a matter of concern that most of the symptoms of these two viruses are similar, due to which it is not known which virus is in the grip of it. In fact, similar symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat are seen in the patients affected by both these viruses. Dr. Rajesh Gupta, Pulmonologist and Chest Specialist in Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida Telling you how you can differentiate between their symptoms and what you should do to avoid both.
Confusion about the symptoms of Covid and H3N2 virus
The symptoms of Covid and H3N2 virus are almost the same. Symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, cough, fever, phlegm in the throat, diarrhea, difficulty in breathing have been observed in the cases reported so far. This is the reason why patients are confused about the symptoms of both these viruses. Obviously understanding the symptoms can help in better diagnosis and treatment.
H3N2 virus whooping cough deadly
Corona cough can be mild or severe, which can be cured with time. On the other hand, cough caused by H3N2 virus can bother for a whole month, and it is so strong that it causes headache and chest pain and some patients even get fractured ribs.
Fever can last for a week
Corona fever increases and decreases and can bother you for at least a few days. H3N2 causes a high fever, which can last for four to eight days, accompanied by a severe cough.
Change in voice indicating H3N2
The doctor believes that there may be a change in your voice after being hit by the H3N2 virus, which may be due to a throat infection. Here in Covid-19, the symptoms start with fever or stuffy nose.
shortness of breath is a major symptom of corona
The doctor explained that fever, chills, cough and cold are common in both while shortness of breath can be experienced more in case of covid than influenza.
fatigue symptoms of corona virus
Muscle pain is common in both, while fatigue is more common in Covid. Sneezing, sore throat, loss of smell are seen in both viral infections. Earache, nausea, diarrhea are common symptoms of both COVID and H3N2 influenza.
What to do to avoid Covid and H3N2 virus?
- Both these infections spread through respiratory droplets, so take care of cleanliness.
- avoid going to crowded places
- always wear a mask
- Wash hands with soap and water, use hand sanitizer
- Stay away from infected people and isolate patients
- Avoid going out if you have any symptoms
- Maintain good air circulation inside the house
- Lean healthy diet and drink plenty
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It cannot be a substitute for any medicine or treatment in any way. Always consult your doctor for more details.
