Adenovirus, H3N2 Virus And COVID-19 Infection - Know The Difference
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Ragiinii Sharma
Written By Meenakshi
on Mar 31, 2023
Last Edit Made By Meenakshi
on Mar 18, 2024
Many viruses are spreading, creating a buzz in the healthcare and wellness industry. Thanks to their oh-so-similar or overlapping symptoms, it is difficult differentiating them. It is evident that if left unaddressed, Adenovirus, H3N2 Virus, or COVID-19 Infection can lead to severe complications, even hospitalization. Knowing about the infection and taking preventive measures is essential to avoid complications.
Don’t know how to differentiate between these infections? Well, you have reached the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore all about Adenovirus, H3N2 Virus, And COVID-19 Infection and find the difference between all three infections to help you understand them better. So, what are you waiting for? Just settle in, and let’s get started.
What is Adenovirus?
Adenovirus is a virus that can cause mild to severe infection that infects the lining of the eyes, airways, lungs, urinary tract, and nervous system. It is more common in children than adults, but anyone can get in its grip. Some of the common symptoms that one infected with Adenovirus may experience are:
Symptoms Of Adenovirus:
- Cough, cold, runny nose, chills, and fever are the most common symptoms an individual infected with Adenovirus may complain about.
- Moreover, in some cases, the infected might get conjunctivitis (pink or red eyes), unusual tearing, or experience irritation in the eyes.
- Diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and stomach cramps are signs common in people with Adenovirus.
- Inflammation of the lungs or intestines is a symptom that one needs to pay attention to.
If you experience any of the above symptoms, do not take them lightly and report them to your doctor immediately. Based on your symptoms, medical history, and other factors, they may recommend a few tests to confirm what’s causing the problem.
What is H3N2 Virus?
Being a subtype of the influence A virus, H3N2 Virus is another common virus spreading rapidly across the nation, causing influenza and respiratory illnesses among individuals. It transmits from person to person through droplets in the air or direct contact with a substance contaminated with the virus. Its severity is more similar to any other seasonal flu, and if left unaddressed, it can lead to more severe symptoms, hospitalization, and even death.
Symptoms Of H3N2 Virus:
The infection is similar to seasonal flu, and so are its symptoms. Some of the common symptoms that most people complain about are:
- Cough & runny nose
- Fever & chills
- Nausea & vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Continuous sneezing
- Constant fever
And in severe cases, one might experience the following:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest discomfort
Symptoms might be similar, but the consequences can be different and even harsh in some cases. Hence, taking them seriously and acting upon them is essential to take hold of the condition.
What is COVID-19 Infection?
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused due to SARS-Cov-2 Virus, causing mild, moderate, to severe symptoms. The infection spreads from one to another through droplets that come out while coughing, sneezing, or talking. Getting tested in time is crucial to identify the problem and taking charge of the situation before things turn ugly.
Symptoms Of COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Persistent coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Headaches
- Pain in the muscles or body
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
It is essential to understand that all three viruses are different from one another and cause different severity if left untreated. Diagnosing in time is the only way to identify them at the early stage and act according before the eleventh hour.
Causes Of Adenovirus, H3N2 Virus And COVID-19 Infection:
Even though they spread mostly in similar ways, the causes behind these viruses are different, which may help differentiate between them. Common causes are:
- Adenovirus: Caused due to adenovirus infection.
- H3N2: Caused due to a subtype of the influenza virus.
- Covid-19: Caused due to SARS-COV-2 Virus.
How To Diagnose Adenovirus, H3N2 Virus, And COVID-19 Infection?
- Adenovirus: If your doctor suspects symptoms of Adenovirus, they take the mucus sample by collecting swabs from the nose or throat to analyze and confirm the presence of the infection and prescribe treatment accordingly.
- H3N2: Since the symptoms are more like any other seasonal flu, doctors often suggest an RT PCR Test.
- COVID-19: Your doctor may take a sample of mucus by collecting swabs from the throat or nose using an RT-PCR Test.
Early diagnosis is a true savior that can prevent complications and help you control the damage while there is still time.
Whether you have symptoms of Adenovirus, H3N2 Virus, or COVID-19 Infection, getting tested is essential to make informed decisions for your health. Besides getting diagnosed in time, get yourself vaccinated, follow all preventive measures and medicines as prescribed, and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Get Screened With Your Partner In Diagnosis Today!
Whether your doctor has prescribed you an Adenovirus Test, Covid-19 Test, or H3N2 Test, Redcliffe Labs is the Omnichannel Pan India Diagnostic Service Provider you can count on. Being packed with diagnostic resources and a skilled team of phlebotomists, we keep the front foot forward to offer the best experience to our clients. You can book an Influenza H3N2 Test, Adenovirus Respiratory Panel & COVID RT PCR Test with Redcliffe Labs at reasonable rates.