Hong Kong Flu Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Hong Kong Flu Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Hong Kong Flu is a flu disease caused by a variant of the influenza virus. This variant of the virus is relatively new, where this infection in humans has only been recorded since 2011. Until now, WHO has recorded an increase in Hong Kong flu cases since mid-May 2017.

Symptom

The symptoms of the Hong Kong flu are similar to the symptoms of influenza in general. Symptoms that can be felt include:

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Pharyngitis (sore throat)

  • Colds, snot that keeps coming out, blockages in the nose

  • Myalgia (muscle pain)

  • Headache

  • Vomiting and diarrhea can occur with infection in children

Reason

As with other flu, the Hong Kong flu is also caused by a virus or rather a virus similar to influenza A subtype H3N2. Overall, there are three types of influenza viruses that are known to infect humans, namely types A, B, and C. These virus types are further divided into subtypes based on haemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N).

Influenza viruses are generally difficult to predict because they are always changing and mutating. This is what causes many variants to arise. This virus initially only infected pigs, but later became a variant virus that could infect humans.

The influenza A virus spreads easily in the air, especially through droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. This virus can then attach to various objects around the sufferer, such as doorknobs, faucets, remote controls, and so on.

Some groups are more susceptible to more serious impacts when infected with the Hong Kong flu. This group includes children aged less than 5 years, adults aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, and people with long-term medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease, decreased immunity, and neurological problems).

Diagnosis

Clinical diagnosis based on history and physical examination is generally difficult to distinguish Hong Kong flu from other types of influenza. However, there may be suspicions that someone has the Hong Kong flu if there are two of the following:

  • There is a history of exposure to pigs, especially if the pigs are sick. This exposure can be direct contact (e.g. feeding pigs, cleaning pig dung) or indirect contact (e.g. visiting a pig farm).
  • Close contact (about 6 meters) with a sick person who has been exposed to pigs

To confirm the diagnosis, an antigen test such as a rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT) can be performed. However, this test does not confirm H3N2 virus infection (eg it could be caused by other influenza virus variants). Other tests, such as RT-PCR are also likely to be able to detect influenza A virus infection, but cannot distinguish between H3N2 subtypes.

Treatment

Treatment for the Hong Kong flu really depends on the symptoms you are feeling. If the symptoms are mild, they can be treated on an outpatient basis by providing symptomatic treatment. This is done while closely monitoring the course of the disease. If the symptoms are severe, you may need hospitalization. Patients who are treated are generally given antiviral treatment.

Some things that can be done during the treatment period are:

  • Get enough rest

  • Consume lots of fluids

  • Avoid entering offices or schools, to prevent transmission

  • Avoid using antibiotics, unless there is a secondary bacterial infection

Prevention

Some things that can be done to prevent this disease are:

  • Avoid contact with pigs, especially those that look sick (consuming pork does not transmit the flu)
  • Avoid areas where the flu is epidemic
  • Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer
  • Watch your intake of nutritious food

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