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Published on: 13th January 2025
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Iqra Shahid
About Seasonal Influenza
Influenza, or Flu, is a common yet contagious viral infection, occurring in the Northern and Southern hemispheres during winters and throughout the year in the tropical and subtropical regions. The Influenza virus, which primarily strikes your respiratory system, can cause widespread havoc, depending on the type of Flu virus and the severity of flu symptoms.
Seasonal Influenza: Types
The Influenza virus can be of 4 types. Flu Types A, B, C, and D. Influenza A and Influenza B are the most common types. Types A, B, and C can usually affect humans, and Type D is found only in cattle. While Flu A also affects birds and pigs, Flu C affects dogs and pigs too. Winter season is generally when Flu Type A and B commonly spread. Subtypes H1N1 and H3N2 fall under Type A Influenza virus and Victoria and Yamagata lineages come under Type B Influenza virus.
Flu B symptoms are said to be less severe in comparison to Flu A. Influenza virus in Flu A is seen to mutate faster than Flu B. A doctor usually conducts a physical examination to begin with, along with understanding the patient’s health history, Influenza symptoms, and condition, and further recommends medical tests to confirm the diagnosis which can help in the treatment of the Influenza virus. There are several tests like chest X-ray, rapid antigen, rapid molecular assay, PCR, and more which can confirm if it’s an Influenza virus or not that the patient is fighting.
Seasonal Influenza: Prevention
Prevention is better than a cure for Influenza as well. Flu vaccine is important in preventing Influenza (both types), and is recommended to be administered for individuals aged 6 months and above. Once every year for those 9 years of age and above, twice a year for children aged 8 and below during the Flu season. Here are some general and common precautions that you can take to avoid getting the Influenza virus in the first place and to alleviate the spread of it to others.
1) Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water often and use a hand sanitizer regularly when you come in contact with surfaces. Disinfect objects, items and areas around to keep them clean.
2) Cover your mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing with a tissue or cloth or you can even cough and sneeze into your elbow to avoid droplets from smearing into the air.
3) Self-isolation is best in case you have a fever for a prolonged period or experience any flu symptoms so that you can avoid the virus’ spread to your family and friends.
4) Avoid direct contact with people who may have Influenza.
5) It’s best to not share food, clothes, and items when you are unwell, so as to protect others from getting infected.
6) Wear a mask if you are with many people around till you can isolate yourself.
7) Consult your local doctor promptly to understand the severity of your condition and seek personalized guidance to manage and fight Influenza A and B and reduce the chances of developing further health complications.
Seasonal Influenza A & B: Knowing The Symptoms
| Flu Symptoms In Adults | Influenza A & Influenza B | |
| Body symptoms | High fever, headaches, severe body pain, fatigue, muscle ache, chills | |
| Digestive symptoms | Nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting | |
| Respiratory symptoms | Sneezing, cough, sore throat, congestion, runny and stuffy nose | |
| Who are all at a higher risk? | Pregnant women, children under 5 years of age, older people, immunocompromised individuals, patients fighting chronic diseases of the lung like asthma, kidney, liver and heart ailments, and other diseases like cancer, blood disorders, stroke, diabetes etc. | |
| Health complications | Bronchitis, brain infection, ear infection, sinusitis, asthma attacks, pneumonia, kidney failure, myocarditis, respiratory failure, miscarriage, meningitis, myositis, sepsis | |
| When to see a doctor? | Persistent pain in the chest, difficulty in breathing, seizures, no improvement in Influenza symptoms, complications in other health conditions, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, lack of urination | |
Seasonal Influenza A & B: Availing Treatment
Just like how Influenza A and Influenza B have many common and similar symptoms, their treatments are also alike. The parameters that distinguish the two types of Flu are: which category of individuals can get affected more, the severity of influenza symptoms, their causes and steps for prevention, etc. Let’s understand the two Flu types better with points of differentiation before we learn the diagnosis and cure for both types of Influenza viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are some of the basic seasonality characteristics of both the Flu types and who does it tend to affect the most?
Flu A is more common in adults, whereas Flu B, is in children < 5 years of age. Flu season in Type A is generally around January-February, and in Type B, it is closer to February-March. Furthermore, Flu A symptoms in adults can get serious, and Flu B symptoms in children under 5 years can have severe consequences. However, in healthy children, both Influenza A and Influenza B can have just mild to moderate symptoms. Thus both types of Influenza viruses can have varied intensity in different age groups.
Q. Which Flu is more common?
Flu A accounts for about 75% of the total Influenza symptoms cases, according to a study. So Flu A is more commonly found.
How do Flu A & Flu B spread?
Flu A can spread from animals to humans and mutates faster than Flu B. But, Flu B can spread only from person to person.
Q. In which of the two types, can the spread of Flu be dangerously wide?
Both the Flu viruses can cause immense medical havoc as an epidemic, but Influenza A has the potential to culminate into a pandemic if left uncontained.
Q. What are influenza A and B symptoms?
Influenza A and B typically cause similar symptoms, including sudden fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, fatigue, and sometimes nausea or diarrhoea. These symptoms usually appear abruptly and can last for several days.
Q. How serious is influenza A?
Influenza A can range from mild to severe and may lead to serious complications like pneumonia, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. In some cases, it can require hospitalization or become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Most patients with Flu recover on their own unless severities arise later needing urgent medical intervention. There’s not much difference between the treatment of Influenza A and Influenza B. Your neighborhood doctor, after an assessment of your Flu symptoms and condition, may advise over-the-counter medication. With enough rest, fluid intake to prevent dehydration, heat packs for aching muscles, antiviral medication from your doctor, self-care measures, and timely healthcare support to shorten the period of sickness in the Flu, you can ensure you are on the quickest road to recovery.
Conclusion
Flu is a common yet acute respiratory infection. It can be life-threatening for some, depending on other risk factors. Many people recover on their own without medication in about a week to 10 days time. It’s important to speak to your doctor in time to understand if you are at risk of Flu infection. First Response Healthcare, your licensed and trusted home healthcare partner, specializing in 24X7 doctor at home services in Dubai, can help you get instant health checkups right at your doorstep along with premium preventive care, chronic disease management, and diagnostic services.
Want to get your annual Flu shot at home and stay protected? Then know more about the advantages of getting Flu vaccination at home by DHA-certified nurses of First Response Healthcare. Also, you can book your appointment today for a home health checkup. Keep your questions ready on how to treat a Flu, how long does the Flu last, wellness tips at home while fighting Flu, and so on!
Disclaimer: This content piece is no substitute for direct medical advice. The purpose and intent of this blog is just to impart knowledge, share general tips, and spread awareness about health. It is not a replacement for any medical consultation provided by professionals. First Response Healthcare strictly recommends reaching out to qualified healthcare providers and medical experts for personalized advice and further information.
