Hong Kong flu: symptoms, treatment and prevention

Recently appeared news about the spread of Hong Kong flu in Russia, a variant of the virus that caused a pandemic in Asia fifty years ago.

Let’s make a reservation right away: calling the infection currently circulating the Hong Kong flu is not entirely correct, because over the past decades the virus has mutated several times. However, this name is fixed in many medical sources, so we will use it in the article.

Let's figure out what to expect from the infection and how to protect yourself today.

What is Hong Kong flu

The Hong Kong flu refers to influenza virus subtype A (H3N2). It was first discovered in Hong Kong in 1968 - hence the name. Then the infection claimed lives 1–2 million people worldwide.

During its existence, H3N2 constantly mutated. To date There is There are many variants of this virus that circulate together every year.

What are the features of Hong Kong flu

Exists more than 2,000 influenza viruses. They are divided into types A, B, C, D, among which in turn there are subtypes - we talked about this in detail in

separate article.

Towards pandemics lead only type A options. This can happen when an animal virus begins to infect people. A so-called antigenic shift occurs: a new subtype, unfamiliar to the immune system, is formed, which is very difficult for it to fight. As a result, the infection spreads at lightning speed. But when most people get sick and their immune system produces antibodies, the influenza virus changes from pandemic to seasonal.

Hong Kong flu has become seasonal in the 70s last century. Equally important, the infection continues to mutate very quickly. This helps her avoid answering. immune system and cause disease.

How to get infected with Hong Kong flu

Like other seasonal types of flu, Hong Kong flu spreads by airborne droplets. All you have to do is touch an infected surface and then touch your face, eyes or mouth - and H3N2 will enter the body. Or come into contact with an already infected person - this can result in tiny droplets of saliva secreted during conversation, and along with them the virus, appearing on the mucous membrane.

The incubation period is from one to four days, although most often symptoms appear very fast, in the first days after contact. In exceptional cases, it may take up to seven days. All this time a person may already be contagious.

What are the symptoms of Hong Kong flu

H3N2 manifests itself just like other types of flu. An ill person may experience the following symptoms:

• sudden increase in temperature (38℃ or more);
• muscle pain;
• weakness;
• headache;
• cough.

For whom can Hong Kong flu be dangerous?

Registered annually about a billion cases of influenza, including infection and H3N2. Most often the disease passes by itself and without consequences, but sometimes it can cause complications. To them, for example, relate ear and sinus infections, pneumonia, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis), inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) and other violations that pose a threat to life and can lead to death. According to WHO, this occurs in 290–650 thousand cases annually.

Severe course of the disease Maybe can be observed in anyone and at any age. But some are more likely to develop complications. So, in risk group:

• people over 65 and under 5 years old;
• people with certain chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, as well as a weakened immune system;
• pregnant women;
• medical workers.

How to treat Hong Kong flu

Like treatment for other influenza viruses, therapy for H3N2 often targets to eliminate symptoms. For fever and headache You can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol. There are also general recommendations for viral infections:

• rest;
• drink more (warm water, tea, broth and other liquids);
• ventilate the room;
• avoid contact with others.

People from risk groups - pregnant women, children, the elderly and those who have diseases that weaken the immune system should consult a physician when the first symptoms appear. It is also necessary to consult a doctor if the disease is severe, for example, if a high temperature lasts for a long time.

Recovery usually occurs after a few days, however, sometimes it takes up to two weeks. It all depends on the severity of the symptoms and the state of the immune system.

How to protect yourself from Hong Kong flu

The best means of prevention is vaccination. There is no specific drug for H3N2, however flu shot effective against several strains at once. Her updated annually, based on the recommendations of WHO experts. Experts are constantly monitoring which variants of the virus are prevalent. And a vaccine for 2023–2024 provides including protection against Hong Kong flu.

Remember: after vaccination it should take approximately two weeksbefore an immune response develops.

In addition to vaccination, there are several other recommendations:

• Maintain personal hygiene - to wash hands with soap, do not touch your mouth and eyes outside the home.
• During flu season, avoid crowds of people, especially in clinics. It is better not to go there unless necessary.
• If possible, do not communicate with sick people.

Hong Kong flu is a common seasonal influenza infection. Get vaccinated, follow other prevention rules, and closely monitor your condition to avoid problems.