Exploring the Correlation Between Influenza A Virus (H3N2) Infections and Neurological Manifestations: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Influenza A virus (IAV), particularly the H3N2 variant, is known to cause respiratory manifestations, but it can also lead to neurological complications ranging from mild symptoms like headache and dizziness to severe conditions such as encephalitis and acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE). In this article, the correlation between the H3N2 variant of the IAV and neurological manifestations is discussed. Additionally, prompt recognition and treatment of influenza-associated neurological manifestations are highlighted to prevent infection-related long-term complications. This review briefly discusses various neurological complications linked to IAV infections, such as encephalitis, febrile convulsions, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and the potential mechanisms involved in the development of neurological complications.

Vagal‐α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor signaling exacerbates influenza severity by promoting lung epithelial cell infection

“…Although influenza infection is primarily known to cause respiratory symptoms, it has been associated with various neurological manifestations, from mild symptoms such as headache and dizziness to severe symptoms like acute necrotizing encephalopathy, encephalitis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis 1 . Remarkably, severe cases of influenza infection requiring intensive care unit treatment have often been linked with neurological manifestations.…”