KATHMANDU: Hong Kong flu that caused pandemic in 1968 is an antigen of influenza virus.

“This H3N2 virus has symptoms similar to that of seasonal flu — cough, fever or feeling feverish, sore throat, runny nose, muscle and body aches, headache and fatigue,” Dr Bhim Acharya, director, Epidemiology and Disease Control Division, Teku, told THT. The virus spreads mainly when flu patients cough, sneeze or talk. A person may also get it by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching mouth, nose, or eyes. There is no specific medicine for the Hong Kong flu. “Avoid crowd, cover your mouth and nose while sneezing, avoid unnecessary touching of nose and mouth, visit health centres if ill, heat food and beverages before eating or drinking, stay in a well-ventilated room, avoid handshakes and maintain personal hygiene to avoid the flu,” advises the doctor.