H3N2 virus spread: How to distinguish it from adenovirus? Is pollution to blame?

So how does air pollution cause the H3N2 virus to spread faster? “That association has been proven by many studies. Particulate matter in the air is worrying. Tiny particles, both liquids and solids, float about in the air and are so small that they can penetrate both the lungs and blood stream and do considerable damage. They weaken the lungs and make it easier for the virus to manifest itself with more severity.

A study by the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health had found that breathing more polluted air over many years could worsen the effects of viruses like COVID-19. That study had found an association between air pollution over many years with a 11 per cent increase in mortality from COVID-19 infection for every 1 microgram/cubic meter increase in air pollution. Another study way back in 2007 had shown how exposure to air pollutants can induce oxidative stress, resulting in the production of free radicals, which in turn, can damage the respiratory system, reducing the resistance to viral and bacterial infections,” says Dr Aggarwal.

“Chemicals also affect pathogens and can make them more dangerous,” he adds. Researchers have shown a link between multidrug-resistant bacteria and exposure to zinc, lead and disinfectants. Mercury and arsenic are known to alter the immune response and increase susceptibility to infectious diseases in multiple species of laboratory animals. Epidemiological studies in humans have linked exposure to various chemicals in the womb with reduced levels of antibodies triggered by childhood vaccines and increased risk of infectious diseases.

The other big problem in managing spiralling numbers is the cocktail of viruses circulating, particularly adenovirus. How do we spot the difference? “Both influenza and adenovirus are circulating in the air and it is difficult to differentiate between the two. Often the two present themselves as typical viral prodromes or early indications of the onset of the disease. However, adenovirus infections are often accompanied by pink eyes as well. And they could be milder,” adds Dr Aggarwal.