H3N2 virus and the new variant: Gulf warnings and advice for prevention
The Gulf Centre for Disease Prevention and Control issued an important clarification regarding the A(H3N2) influenza virus, confirming that it is classified as a typical seasonal influenza virus that is active during specific times of the year. This clarification aims to reassure the public and provide accurate information based on scientific facts, dispelling rumors and unfounded fears.
The center revealed that the K sub-strain of the virus, scientifically known as (2.4.1), was detected as an emerging variant during August 2025. Official data confirmed that most of the cases recorded for this variant are mild and recover completely through adherence to traditional treatment protocols and rest, indicating that there is no radical change in the severity of the virus compared to previous seasons.
What is the H3N2 virus? Scientific background
The H3N2 virus is a subtype of influenza A virus. It is not a new virus, but rather has a long history of global spread. Historically, this strain has been associated with flu seasons that can be more severe than other strains. For this reason, global and regional health organizations, such as the Gulf Center for Disease Prevention and Control, closely monitor it to update seasonal vaccine formulations annually to reflect the virus's ongoing genetic mutations.
The importance of this monitoring lies in enhancing regional health security, as early detection of sub-mutants helps prepare the health system and raise community awareness before the peak of the winter season, thus reducing pressure on hospitals and limiting serious complications.
Common symptoms and recovery period
The center explained that the symptoms associated with infection with this variant are no different from the usual seasonal flu symptoms, and include:
- A significant increase in temperature.
- Feeling tired, generally exhausted, and experiencing body aches and pains.
- Coughing and congestion.
He noted that the recovery period is usually between five and seven days for most infected people, while some remaining symptoms, such as a mild cough or fatigue, may last for up to two weeks in some cases, which is a normal course of viral infection.
Expert opinion: Awareness is the solution
In a related context, public health experts emphasized that community awareness is the cornerstone of combating the spread of infection. Dr. Nabila Al Abdullah, Professor of Public Health and Epidemiology, stressed that the focus should be on protecting the most vulnerable groups. She explained that the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems are the most susceptible to complications from the H3N2 virus, which can develop into pneumonia if not properly managed medically.
For her part, Dr. Shrouq Ibrahim, a consultant in family medicine and lifestyle medicine, pointed out that the virus is easily transmitted through airborne droplets and contaminated surfaces, making personal hygiene measures an absolute necessity and not a luxury.
Seasonal vaccine: the first line of defense
Experts and the Gulf Center for Prevention agree that the seasonal vaccine remains the most effective way to prevent infection and reduce the severity of symptoms if contracted. Health authorities urge everyone to get vaccinated, especially with the emergence of sub-variants, as vaccination contributes to:
- Protecting the individual from serious complications and hospitalization.
- Achieving community immunity helps protect groups that cannot receive the vaccine.
- Reducing the spread of infection in schools and workplaces.
The experts concluded their advice by stressing the need to consult a doctor if fever persists or shortness of breath is felt, emphasizing that prevention, through handwashing, covering the mouth when coughing, and getting vaccinated, is always easier and less expensive than treatment.
