How do I know if it is a COVID XBB 1.16 infection or an H3N2 infection?

A few months ago we were just concerned about the variants of COVID causing the coronavirus. However, in recent days, a new virus has appeared and poses a greater threat to human health.

We discuss the seasonal influenza A H3N2 virus and the recent XBB 1.16 variant of COVID. These two viruses are currently dominant.

No. Although their mode of action may seem similar to us due to the similar symptoms seen in infected people, they are different viruses and therefore need to be treated differently.

H3N2 is a common virus that causes seasonal flu. It is not a new virus although it has mutated into several strains. It is a subtype of the influenza A virus.

XBB is a recombinant strain of COVID causing coronavirus. XBB is a recombinant of the BA.2.10.1 and BA.2.75 sublines, two subvariants of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. From 2019 to today, the new coronavirus has mutated into several strains, the dominant of which is Omicron. XBB 1.16 is a variant of the XBB variant.

Although seeing the symptoms cannot clearly differentiate between infections, a medical test can help you distinguish between the two.

Symptoms like wheezing, coughing, high fever and clinical signs of pneumonia are typical features of H3N2 infection.

Classic symptoms of COVID are headaches, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, and runny or stuffy nose.

Since the two viruses are spreading massively in the country and it is difficult to tell them apart, it is important to get tested whenever the signs appear.

In addition to medical tests, hygiene guidelines should also be followed to reduce the spread of viruses. Both of these viruses spread from an infected person to a healthy person through direct exposure, through physical contact, through contact with air droplets released through the nose and mouth.

Staying isolated until the symptoms completely disappear is the key to cutting the chain of transmission of these viruses.

Wearing masks in public places can reduce the transmission of viruses from an infected person to a healthy person.

Apart from this, keeping the hands clean and sanitized before touching the face is the key to protect the body from the virus. Exposed surfaces in public places should also be avoided, and areas of the home that are often frequented should be cleaned at regular intervals.

If you have children or elderly people in our home, be sure to maintain good indoor air circulation.