Asked by: Tobie Goz
 asked in category: General Last Updated: 26th May, 2020

Whats the difference between influenza A and B?

Unlike type A flu viruses, type B flu is found only in humans. Type B flu may cause a less severe reaction than type A flu virus, but occasionally, type B flu can still be extremely harmful. Influenza type B viruses are not classified by subtype and do not cause pandemics.

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Similarly one may ask, what is the difference between influenza A and B?

While the symptoms of influenza B mirrors those of A, the main difference between the two strains is who it can affect. This allows strains of A to be spread more rapidly than B, while also meaning strains of B cannot cause pandemics with symptoms likely less severe. Flu shots protect against both strains of influenza.

Additionally, how serious is type A flu? Type A influenza can be dangerous and is known to cause outbreaks and increase your risk of disease. Influenza A mutates faster than influenza B, but both viruses are always changing, creating new strains from one flu season to the next. Past flu vaccinations will not prevent infection from a new strain.

Similarly, you may ask, what are the symptoms of flu A and B?

Flu Symptoms

  • fever* or feeling feverish/chills.
  • cough.
  • sore throat.
  • runny or stuffy nose.
  • muscle or body aches.
  • headaches.
  • fatigue (tiredness)
  • some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

Can you get influenza A and B?

It is possible to get the flu twice during the same flu season. Since there are two types of flu strains – influenza A and influenza B – if you get influenza A, you can also get influenza B. But there is some good news. Plus influenza B typically doesn't cause as serious of an infection.

33 Related Question Answers Found

Is Tamiflu worth taking?

A: Some people would say it is worth taking this medication to reduce the time they're sick, even if it's only by a day or so. They look at it as a way to get back to work sooner. It may also reduce their risk of infecting others — like young children or older adults, especially during a flu epidemic.

What does the H and N mean in flu?

H is short for hemagglutinin. And N is short for neuraminidase. More about those in just a moment. But instead of wearing Dolce and Gabbana, influenza prefers "H & N," aka hemagglutinin and neuraminidase. Hemagglutinin and neuraminidase are little protein spikes on the flu's surface that help it invade cells.

How long is influenza B contagious?

Typically, you're contagious from 1 day before you have any symptoms. You stay that way for 5 to 7 days after you start feeling sick. The virus can be spread until symptoms disappear.

What strain of flu is going around 2019?

But the dominant strain of flu there this season, H3N2, usually leads to more serious symptoms and hospitalization compared with the common H1N1 strain. Last year's U.S. flu season saw the dominant strain flip from H1N1 to H3N2 around March 2019.

What sickness is going around right now 2019?

2019-2020 Flu Season Among the many viruses we see causing respiratory illness right now, the influenza virus (commonly called "the flu") can be particularly severe. Infection with the influenza virus causes a sudden onset of fever, chills, dry cough, and muscle aches.

Is strep throat a complication of the flu?

Streptococcal infections are of 2 types: Group A and Group B. The flu affects the upper and lower respiratory tract (nose, throat, bronchi, lungs). If the flu is left untreated, it can result in complications – bronchitis, pneumonia, aggravation of other conditions, sinus infection, and ear infections.

How long does flu A last?

A bout of the flu typically lasts one to two weeks, with severe symptoms subsiding in two to three days. However, weakness, fatigue, dry cough, and a reduced ability to exercise can linger for three to seven days.

What are the stages of the flu?

A bout of the flu typically follows this pattern: Days 1–3: Sudden appearance of fever, headache, muscle pain and weakness, dry cough, sore throat and sometimes a stuffy nose. Day 4: Fever and muscle aches decrease. Day 8: Symptoms decrease.

How do they test for Influenza B?

Preferred respiratory samples for influenza testing include nasopharyngeal or nasal swab, and nasal wash or aspirate, depending on which kind of test is used (see table). Samples should be collected within the first 3-4 days of illness.

Is Flu A or B worse 2020?

Jan. 16, 2020 -- Influenza is still going strong in the United States and isn't expected to slow down for at least several more weeks, according to a report from the CDC. What's more, this season's vaccine is only a 58% match for the B strain of flu, known as B/Victoria, that is hitting children especially hard.

How long should I stay home from work with the flu?

Stay at home while you have the flu, and for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine. Once your fever is gone for a day, you're no longer contagious and can return to work or school. Also, you will recover more quickly if you get some rest.

How long does 2019 flu last?

?Generally speaking, when it comes to the flu, acute illness can last four or five days, though your cough can linger for weeks.

Which flu strain is worse A or B?

In the past, it was thought that infection with influenza A was more severe than infection with influenza B. However, a 2015 study in adults with influenza A and influenza B found they both resulted in similar rates of illness and death.

What flu is going around 2020?

Early 2019 to 2020 flu activity primarily was driven by influenza B/Victoria viruses, for which the vaccine is not a great match, Schaffner said. Later, flu activity shifted and the country saw a rising number of cases from the A/H1N1 viruses. The flu shot was a better match for A/H1N1.
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