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H3N2 And COVID-19: Know The Difference

While the protective measures exercised for COVID-19 can be effective against this flu, the two infections are not similar.

Written by Kashish Sharma | Updated : March 15, 2023 9:28 AM IST

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H3N2 And COVID-19

An outbreak of influenza A (H3N2) is causing a dramatic spurt of illness among Indians. Deaths are being reported in some parts of the country and this makes us question that are we heading towards a COVID-19-like situation. Influenza is known to cause serious illness among children and older adults. Reportedly, flu season led by H3N2 is often associated with serious illness, increased hospitalizations and death. While the protective measures exercised for COVID-19 can be effective against this flu, the two infections are not similar.

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Have Different Sources

The first difference between the two infections is the virus causing it. H3N1 and H3N2 are influenzas A viruses, often called flu viruses. They have been affecting us for years. COVID-19 is also a viral sickness but is caused by another family of viruses SARS-CoV-2 (coronaviruses). The latter is more likely to cause severe acute respiratory illness.  Also Read - When you eat matters: Why meal timing affects your health

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Influenza Illness Is More Seasonal

Though seasonal flu can cause serious illness, leading to hospitalizations and death, the likelihood of this infection having dramatic community health consequences as we saw with COVID-19 is bleak. As per experts, there are many other factors that are making this infection more complex such as loss of natural immunity against the infection during the pandemic, increased pollution and changes in weather.

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Serious Illness Is More Common With COVID

Talking of differences in the symptoms, fever, chill, cold and cough might be common for both illnesses. However, shortness of breath, wheezing and respiratory distress are more likely to be experienced in COVID-19. Loss of smell can occur in both but disease severity is more likely to be observed in COVID-19. Experts have said that mild COVID and influenza can resemble a great extent, however, the cold part or upper respiratory symptoms is more prominent in COVID. Both are highly contagious but COVID symptoms tend to last longer. Influenza causes seasonal illness which unlike COVID might fade away with time. Also Read - World Health Day 2026: Is spongiotic dermatitis the cause of your itchy, inflamed skin?

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Antibiotics Won’t Work For Both

Antibiotics don’t work against both flu and COVID-19 as both are viral sicknesses. Antibiotics are designed to kill bacteria and not viruses. However, if the doctor suspects a secondary bacterial infection, they might prescribe one.