Everything You Need to Know About Influenza H3N2

Paul Blane
Infection Prevention
infection prevention awareness bacteria

Seasonal Influenza remains a significant concern across Health and Social Care settings, particularly for vulnerable populations. One strain that continues to cause concern is Influenza A (H3N2), which is often associated with more severe illness, higher hospitalisation rates, and increased pressure on Care services.

Understanding how H3N2 spreads, who is most at risk, and how robust infection prevention practices can reduce transmission is essential for Providers aiming to protect both the people they support and their workforce.

What is Influenza H3N2?

Influenza H3N2 is a subtype of Influenza A, first identified in humans in the late 1960s. It is known for mutating more rapidly than some other influenza strains, which can reduce vaccine effectiveness in certain seasons and contribute to widespread outbreaks.

H3N2 commonly circulates during the winter months but can persist beyond peak flu season, particularly in communal environments such as:

  • Care homes and supported Living Settings
  • Hospitals and Clinical Environments
  • Domiciliary Care Services
  • Day Centres and Community Hubs

Why H3N2 is a Concern in Care Settings

For older adults, individuals with long-term conditions, and those with compromised immune systems, H3N2 can lead to serious complications, including Pneumonia, Dehydration, and worsening of existing health conditions.

In Care environments, the risks are compounded by:

  • Close personal contact during Care delivery
  • Shared spaces and equipment
  • High staff movement between individuals
  • Asymptomatic transmission in early stages

Even a small lapse in Infection prevention controls can result in rapid spread.

Common Symptoms to be Aware of

Symptoms of Influenza H3N2 are similar to other flu strains but can be more intense:

  • Sudden high temperature
  • Persistent cough
  • Muscle aches and joint pain
  • Severe fatigue and weakness
  • Headache
  • Sore throat and runny nose

In older adults, symptoms may present atypically, such as increased confusion, reduced mobility, or sudden deterioration in overall wellbeing. Staff competence in recognising early warning signs plays a vital role in prompt response and escalation.

How Influenza H3N2 Spreads

H3N2 is primarily transmitted through:

  • Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing
  • Close contact with infected individuals
  • Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face

The virus can survive on surfaces for several hours, making effective cleaning, hand hygiene, and PPE use critical control measures.

 

Preventing the spread of H3N2 in Health and Social Care

Strong Infection Prevention and control (IPC) practices remain the most effective defence against influenza outbreaks. Key measures include:

Hand hygiene compliance: Consistent and correct handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand rubs before and after every interaction.

Appropriate use of PPE: Ensuring staff understand when and how to use gloves, masks, and aprons correctly, particularly during outbreaks.

Environmental cleaning: Routine and enhanced cleaning of high-touch surfaces, shared equipment, and communal areas.

Staff education and competency: Policies alone are not enough. Staff must be confident, competent, and up to date with Infection Prevention principles to apply them effectively in real-world care scenarios.

Vaccination awareness: While vaccination does not eliminate risk entirely, it remains a key protective measure for both staff and those receiving Care.

The role of Training in Infection Prevention

Regulators increasingly expect Providers to demonstrate not only that Infection Prevention policies exist, but that staff understand them, apply them correctly, and can evidence good practice.

Ongoing Infection Prevention training supports Providers to:

  • Reduce the risk of outbreaks
  • Improve staff confidence and decision-making
  • Strengthen compliance with CQC expectations
  • Protect service continuity during peak illness periods

At CBAT Education, Infection Prevention training is designed to go beyond theory, focusing on practical competence, behaviours, and real-life application within care settings.

Supporting Safer Care through Informed Practice

As with all winter viruses, the same preventative measures apply. When meeting with others, ensure spaces are well ventilated, practise regular hand hygiene, and cover coughs or sneezes using a disposable tissue or the inside of your elbow.

If you develop symptoms, it is essential to limit contact with those who are most vulnerable.

To strengthen Infection Prevention practices within your organisation, you can email admin@cba-training.co.uk or book online to secure a place on our Infection Prevention Lead Training course.

Visit our latest Infection Prevention training page to learn more about the range of courses available and how to help protect colleagues, individuals supported, and loved ones throughout the winter months.

For any other enquiries, please contact our team.