How To Differentiate Between Influenza A and B Symptoms

Out of the 4 types in Influenza virus – Type A, B, C and D, Influenza A is the most common of all; this acute respiratory infection is highly contagious and can affect humans immensely during every Flu season. Influenza A is also characterized by severe symptoms, which if left uncontained, can be fatal, with the risk of causing a pandemic-level medical emergency. Influenza A is more severe in adults and mutates quite faster. Moreover, Influenza A virus can also be found in animals and birds. In fact, wild birds are said to be the host for Type A Flu virus. Influenza A symptoms can often be confused with symptoms of other illnesses like the common cold, stomach flu, rhinovirus, allergies, Covid-19, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and pneumonia. One may experience high fever, congestion, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, extreme weakness, body pain and chills, while the symptoms of Influenza A virus gradually start to develop after exposure. Influenza Type A is responsible for about 75% of the confirmed Influenza cases. Moreover, Bird Flu and Swine Flu, both fall under the category of Type A Flu virus. Influenza A virus is classified by experts with the help of two proteins on the viral surface, Hemagglutinin (H) and Neuraminidase (N) namely. There are in all 18 H subtypes and 11 N subtypes of Influenza A with H1N1 and H3N2 being the most common. According to research, the Flu virus can transmit infection to others even from up to a 6-feet distance.

Flu B is less common, accounting for only 25% of all cases. Influenza B symptoms, unlike Influenza A Symptoms, affect only humans and are not found in animals. Influenza B is believed to be milder than Type A Flu virus. Influenza A and B have identical symptoms, typically beginning with a general tendency of not feeling well and signs of body fever. This stage is followed by dry cough, stuffy nose, muscle aches, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting (in children). Influenza B Symptoms can have serious consequences in children under 5 years of age. In healthy children, Type B Flu virus can lead to mild to moderate symptoms. Influenza Type B is usually more severe than Type C Flu virus. Influenza B is divided into further viral lineages like the Victoria and Yamagata and not subtypes like Influenza A. Also Read: Doorstep Doctor: Home Health Care Services In Abu Dhabi

Influenza A and Influenza B have many symptoms in common. However what differentiates the two of them is how severe they can get, who is at a higher risk and how it spreads. In healthy people, Influenza virus symptoms are mild, however pregnancy, old age, weakened immunity, and chronic health conditions can put you at a higher risk of not just contracting the virus but also developing other complications needing urgent hospitalization and medical intervention by your doctor. For most others, Influenza A and Influenza B can get resolved on their own without any medication. The Influenza Flu symptoms last for about a week or 10 days. In some patients, it may even last for 2 weeks or more. Symptoms of influenza A and B – both can transmit the infection from one person to another, through droplets of cough and sneeze or through contact with surfaces that may be infected with respiratory secretions, i.e. when a person touches a contaminated surface and then touches their nose, eyes or mouth. The Influenza virus symptoms can spread from one person to another in the first three to four days while the patient is keeping unwell and also a day before their symptoms actually start to reflect.

Which strain or type of Influenza are you affected with? It’s important for the doctor to find out – through various tests – about the Flu type, not for the individual’s treatment plan, but actually for the exact understanding of public health and the virus outbreak. The treatment for Flu A and Flu B is very similar. There’s no cure for Flu as such, but the treatment aims to reduce the influenza disease symptoms and bring down its intensity while the body fights the condition. Ask your doctor for more information on personalized treatment steps which may include the following:

• Over-the-counter medication 
• Various tests to evaluate the impact of Influenza virus on other underlying health conditions
• Ample amount of rest and good sleep
• Sufficient fluid intake to avoid dehydration
• Home remedies tailored to your specific needs
• Antiviral Flu medication (Usually recommended to be taken within 48 hours of seeing symptoms for effective results)
• Self-care measures like inhaling steam to clear nasal congestion and runny nose
• Getting the Flu vaccine shot annually without fail
• Taking all precautions for personal hygiene, cleanliness and self-isolation to avoid transmitting the virus to others

The vaccine is meant to protect you against both types of Influenza virus, Flu Type A and B and its different strains. Depending on whether it is a trivalent or quadrivalent vaccine, the shot protects you from the virus strains which were taken into consideration for the research, keeping in mind which of the types could get most circulating in the Flu season. For instance, a trivalent vaccine can protect against H1N1 Type A, H3N2 Type A and Type B Influenza virus. A quadrivalent vaccine can protect against all the three mentioned above plus another Influenza B virus.