What is variant swine flu H3N2?

Humans were infected by a virus that circulates in pigs. This virus is known as the variant swine flu H3N2. Since they are not originally human viruses, they are referred to as variant viruses.  They are simply known as influenza viruses when they circulate in pigs. So how did pig viruses attack the human race? Well, do not be mistaken, you cannot get the virus by eating pig products that are infected with the virus. People get infected with swine flu just the same way as any other influenza infection. The only difference is adaptation to the new organism.

Statics show that since July 2012 there has been an increase on the number of people infected by the virus; 297 people from 12 different states were reported to have been infected with an influenza A H3N2 variant virus (H3N2v). In 2011, only 12 people were infected with the virus in the same states. So if you find yourself with a “different” kind of flu, rush to get a check-up just to be sure. Better safe than sorry. Unfortunately, you may not realise that you have this type of flu so it will be better just be checked especially if you live in a state with the outbreak.

This virus was detected in United States pigs in 2010 and later on in humans in July 2011. It seems that this virus tends to spread with a lot of ease compared to other variant viruses from pigs to humans.  Currently, there are multiple outbreaks of H3N2v occurring in a number of states in the United States states. This rate is alarming. It seems like the flu is spreading like wild fire.

It is important to note that the main risk factor for infection is exposure to pigs and especially in fair settings. To date, children with little immunity against the virus are worst hit by the pandemic. The good news is that as at now, the H3N2v virus is not airborne and therefore, not spreading readily from person-to-person. You should therefore be free and not afraid of persons infected with the pig flu.

The symptoms associated with this virus are similar to the seasonal flu. In most cases, illness associated with this virus has also been mild. However, it is possible to get serious illness with the H3N2v infection. Only 16 people have been hospitalised with to this infection while only one death has been recorded with the same. The situation is being monitored closely by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as they work with the affected states.