H3N2 Flu Virus vs Covid-19

There has been a lot of talk about the Influenza H3N2 flu virus vs Covid-19 as both Covid-19 and H3N2 share some similar symptoms, yet there are some key differences between them that are important to understand.

Here take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two viruses, including their symptoms, modes of transmission and the severity of the illnesses they can cause.

H3N2 flu and Covid-19 have similar symptoms, which can make it difficult to differentiate them clinically. However, there are some differences in symptoms that may help in distinguishing them.

What is H3N2 flu virus?

H3N2 is a subtype of the influenza A virus. It is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause mild to severe symptoms, and in some cases, can even be fatal.

H3N2 flu virus is responsible for numerous outbreaks and pandemics throughout history, including the 1968 Hong Kong flu pandemic and the 2017-2018 flu season in the United States.

Like other strains of the flu, H3N2 spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes.

It can also be spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes. Symptoms of H3N2 flu virus typically include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, body aches and chills.

What is Covid-19?

Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It first emerged in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and has since spread rapidly across the globe, leading to the ongoing pandemic.

Covid-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes.

Symptoms of Covid-19 can range from mild to severe and can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches and loss of taste or smell.

In severe cases, Covid-19 can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and even death.

What are the Similarities between H3N2 and Covid-19?

While H3N2 flu virus and Covid-19 are caused by different viruses, they share some similarities. Both illnesses are contagious respiratory illnesses that can cause fever, cough and fatigue.

They both spread through respiratory droplets and can be transmitted by touching a surface contaminated with the virus.

Another similarity between H3N2 and Covid-19 is that both illnesses can be more severe in certain populations.

For example, older adults, people with underlying health conditions and pregnant women are at higher risk for complications from both H3N2 and Covid-19.

What is the Difference between H3N2 Flu Virus vs Covid-19?

Despite their similarities, H3N2 flu virus vs Covid-19 differ in several key ways. One major difference is their mortality rate.

While H3N2 can be deadly, the mortality rate is generally lower than that of Covid-19.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the mortality rate for H3N2 flu virus is typically around 0.1%, while the mortality rate for Covid-19 is estimated to be around 1-2%.

Another difference between H3N2 flu virus vs Covid-19 is their transmission rate.

Covid-19 appears to be more contagious than H3N2, with each infected person spreading the virus to an average of two to three people.

H3N2, on the other hand, has a lower transmission rate, with each infected person spreading the virus to an average of one to two people.

H3N2 flu virus vs Covid-19 also differ symptom-wise in some ways.

While both illnesses can cause fever, cough and fatigue, Covid-19 is more likely to cause shortness of breath, while H3N2 is more likely to cause body aches and chills.

H3N2 can cause hoarseness of voice, while Covid-19 symptoms typically start with fever or stuffy nose. Body ache or myalgia is common in flu, whereas Covid-19 can present as the loss of smell and taste and rashes on the body.

It is important to note that specific testing is needed to determine which illness a person has, as the symptoms of both illnesses can be similar. Getting tested early for both flu and Covid-19 can reduce the risk of severe illness.