22.12.2025 18:41
With the weather getting significantly colder, the H3N2 virus has also started to spread rapidly. Infectious Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Duran Tok stated, "Influenza viruses, including H3N2, can disrupt the protective mechanisms of the respiratory system, leading to severe and prolonged illness. H3N2 is a disease that can even result in death and must be taken seriously."
Infection Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Duran Tok stated that the H3N2 virus is a flu virus belonging to the influenza A group and expressed that Turkey experiences a flu season that starts in October and November and continues until April and May.
MORE COMMON COMPARED TO PAST YEARS Tok noted that the increase in respiratory symptoms such as cough and sneezing, along with the time spent in closed areas, has led to an increase not only in H3N2 but also in swine flu, other influenza types, and different respiratory viruses. He emphasized that the H3N2 virus is more commonly seen compared to previous years, particularly urging at-risk groups to be cautious.
"SERIOUS INCREASES IN FLU CASES ARE OBSERVED DURING SEASONAL TRANSITIONS WITH THE COOLING WEATHER" Liv Hospital Ankara Infection Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Tok stated that the H3N2 virus is a flu virus belonging to the influenza A group, saying, "In our country, there is a flu season that starts in October-November and continues until April-May. With the cooling weather, serious increases in flu cases are observed during seasonal transitions. The increase in time spent in closed areas with respiratory symptoms such as cough and sneezing causes an increase not only in H3N2 but also in swine flu, other influenza types, and different respiratory viruses. However, it is known that the mutated H3N2 is more dominant this year compared to previous years," he stated. Prof. Dr. Tok mentioned that there are predictions that the new H3N2 variant may have a higher transmission rate, but there is no clear data indicating that it leads to a more severe disease course. He added, "The disease may progress more severely in children under 5 years old and individuals over 50 years old. Additionally, those with chronic lung, liver, and heart diseases, diabetes and cancer patients, pregnant women, small children, and obese individuals are in the high-risk group."
"SOME INDIVIDUALS MAY EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS WITHOUT FEVER" Dr. Tok pointed out that the symptoms of H3N2 generally start suddenly and emphasized that there is a possibility that fever may not be among these symptoms. He stated, "Fever, headache, dry cough, fatigue, sweating, sore throat, muscle and joint pains, and nasal congestion or discharge can be observed. However, in some individuals, it may progress without fever. In children, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may accompany the symptoms. Influenza viruses, including H3N2, can disrupt the protective mechanisms of the respiratory tract, leading to severe and prolonged illness. This situation paves the way for new infections to be added to the symptoms. H3N2 is a disease that can result in death and must be taken seriously."
"DOOR HANDLES AND FAUCETS SHOULD BE DISINFECTED FREQUENTLY" Dr. Tok stated that protecting against the flu is possible through personal and societal measures and made the following recommendations: "Attention should be paid to hand hygiene, hands should be washed frequently and carefully, and crowded environments should be avoided as much as possible between December and March. When necessary, mask and distance rules should be followed. Close contact with sick individuals should be avoided, and door handles and faucets in communal living areas should be disinfected frequently. Since the seasonal flu vaccine is updated every year, especially at-risk groups should get vaccinated in October-November. Regular sleep, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, addressing vitamin deficiencies (especially vitamin D), and maintaining morale and motivation are of great importance for the immune system."