What are the key differences between influenza A and B. How do these viruses spread and affect the human body. What are the most effective prevention methods and treatments for both types of flu.

Understanding Influenza A and B: Key Differences and Similarities

Influenza, commonly known as “the flu,” is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. While there are four types of influenza viruses (A, B, C, and D), types A and B are the most prevalent and responsible for the seasonal flu epidemics we experience each year. Let’s delve into the key aspects of these two types of influenza viruses to better understand their impact on human health.

What sets Influenza A and B apart?

The main differences between Influenza A and B lie in their genetic structure, host range, and mutation rates:

• Influenza A can infect both humans and animals, while Influenza B primarily affects humans.
• Type A has a higher mutation rate, leading to more frequent genetic changes and the potential for pandemics.
• Influenza B mutates more slowly and has only two main lineages (Victoria and Yamagata).
• Type A is generally associated with more severe symptoms and higher rates of complications.

Transmission and Causes of Influenza A and B

Both Influenza A and B spread through similar mechanisms, primarily via respiratory droplets. However, there are some noteworthy differences in their transmission patterns.

How does Influenza A spread?

Influenza A viruses are highly contagious and can spread through:

1. Respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking
2. Close contact with infected individuals
3. Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching one’s face
4. In rare cases, direct contact with infected animals (e.g., birds or pigs)

What about Influenza B transmission?

Influenza B transmission is similar to type A, but with some key distinctions:

• It spreads primarily through human-to-human contact
• Animal reservoirs are not a significant factor in its transmission
• It tends to spread more slowly due to its lower mutation rate

Prevalence and Epidemiology of Influenza A and B

Understanding the prevalence of Influenza A and B is crucial for public health planning and vaccine development. Let’s examine the epidemiological patterns of these viruses.

How common is Influenza A?

Influenza A is the more prevalent of the two types, accounting for approximately 75% of all flu infections. Its high mutation rate and ability to infect both humans and animals contribute to its widespread nature. During most flu seasons, Influenza A is the dominant strain, causing the majority of infections and hospitalizations.

What about the prevalence of Influenza B?

While less common than Influenza A, Influenza B still plays a significant role in seasonal flu epidemics. It typically accounts for about 25% of all flu cases. However, its prevalence can vary from season to season. In some years, such as the early stages of the 2019-2020 flu season, Influenza B can become the dominant strain, especially among children.

Recognizing Symptoms: Influenza A vs B

While both types of influenza can cause similar symptoms, there are some differences in their presentation and severity.

What are the typical symptoms of Influenza A?

Influenza A often causes more severe symptoms, which may include:

• High fever (often above 101°F or 38.3°C)
• Severe body aches and fatigue
• Dry cough and sore throat
• Headache
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Chills and sweats
• Gastrointestinal symptoms (less common)

How do Influenza B symptoms differ?

Influenza B typically causes milder symptoms compared to type A, but can still be severe in some cases. Common symptoms include:

• Moderate fever
• Body aches and fatigue (usually less intense than type A)
• Cough and sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache

Diagnosis and Testing for Influenza A and B

Accurate diagnosis of influenza is crucial for appropriate treatment and prevention of spread. Let’s explore the diagnostic methods used for both Influenza A and B.

How is Influenza A diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Influenza A typically involves:

1. Physical examination and evaluation of symptoms
2. Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) – results in 10-15 minutes
3. Rapid molecular assays – more accurate than RIDTs, results in 15-20 minutes
4. RT-PCR tests – highly accurate but may take longer for results

What about diagnosing Influenza B?

The diagnostic process for Influenza B is similar to that of Influenza A. However, some tests can distinguish between the two types:

• Multiplex PCR tests can identify and differentiate between Influenza A and B
• Some rapid tests can detect both types and indicate which one is present
• Viral culture may be used in some cases, though it’s less common due to longer turnaround times

Treatment Approaches for Influenza A and B

While many cases of influenza can be managed with supportive care, antiviral medications play a crucial role in treatment, especially for high-risk individuals.

What are the treatment options for Influenza A?

Treatment for Influenza A may include:

• Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), or baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza)
• Rest and increased fluid intake
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers
• In severe cases, hospitalization and supportive care may be necessary

How does treatment differ for Influenza B?

Treatment for Influenza B is generally similar to that of Influenza A:

• The same antiviral medications are effective against both types
• Supportive care measures are equally important
• The focus is on managing symptoms and preventing complications

Prevention Strategies: Protecting Against Influenza A and B

Prevention is key in reducing the spread and impact of both Influenza A and B. Let’s explore the most effective prevention strategies.

How can we prevent Influenza A?

Prevention measures for Influenza A include:

• Annual flu vaccination, which typically includes protection against several Influenza A strains
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
• Covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Staying home when sick to prevent spread

What about preventing Influenza B?

Prevention strategies for Influenza B are similar to those for type A:

• Annual flu vaccines also include protection against one or two Influenza B lineages
• Following the same hygiene practices and social distancing measures
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support immune function

Understanding the differences and similarities between Influenza A and B is crucial for effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. While both types can cause significant illness, their unique characteristics impact their spread and severity. By staying informed and following recommended prevention strategies, we can better protect ourselves and our communities from the impacts of seasonal flu.

Risk Factors and Complications: Influenza A vs B

While anyone can contract influenza, certain groups are at higher risk for severe complications from both Influenza A and B. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for appropriate prevention and treatment strategies.

Who is most at risk for severe Influenza A?

Individuals at higher risk for complications from Influenza A include:

• Adults 65 years and older
• Children under 5 years old, especially those under 2
• Pregnant women and those up to two weeks postpartum
• People with chronic medical conditions (e.g., asthma, heart disease, diabetes)
• Individuals with weakened immune systems
• Residents of long-term care facilities

Are risk factors different for Influenza B?

Risk factors for severe Influenza B are similar to those for type A, but with some notable differences:

• Children tend to be more susceptible to Influenza B
• Younger adults may be at higher risk compared to Influenza A
• Pregnant women and those with chronic conditions remain at high risk

Complications from both types of influenza can include pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis, and worsening of existing chronic conditions. However, Influenza A is generally associated with more frequent and severe complications.

Global Impact: Influenza A and B in Pandemic and Seasonal Contexts

The global impact of influenza viruses extends beyond individual health, affecting economies, healthcare systems, and societies at large. Let’s examine how Influenza A and B contribute to seasonal epidemics and pandemics.

How does Influenza A contribute to pandemics?

Influenza A has been responsible for all known flu pandemics, including:

• The 1918 Spanish flu (H1N1)
• The 1957 Asian flu (H2N2)
• The 1968 Hong Kong flu (H3N2)
• The 2009 swine flu pandemic (H1N1)

Its ability to undergo antigenic shift, creating entirely new subtypes, makes Influenza A a constant pandemic threat.

What role does Influenza B play in seasonal epidemics?

While Influenza B doesn’t cause pandemics, it plays a significant role in seasonal flu epidemics:

• It can be the dominant strain in some flu seasons
• Influenza B can cause localized outbreaks, especially in schools and nursing homes
• Its slower mutation rate makes it easier to predict and include in seasonal vaccines

Both Influenza A and B contribute to the annual global burden of influenza, which the World Health Organization estimates at 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths.

Advancements in Influenza Research and Future Perspectives

Ongoing research into Influenza A and B is crucial for improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Let’s explore some of the latest advancements and future directions in influenza research.

What are the latest developments in Influenza A research?

Recent advancements in Influenza A research include:

• Development of universal flu vaccines targeting conserved viral proteins
• Improved surveillance systems for early detection of novel strains
• Research into the use of monoclonal antibodies for treatment and prevention
• Studies on the role of host genetics in influenza susceptibility and severity

How is Influenza B research progressing?

While Influenza B receives less attention than type A, important research is ongoing:

• Efforts to improve vaccine effectiveness against both B lineages
• Studies on the evolutionary dynamics of Influenza B viruses
• Research into the impact of Influenza B on different age groups
• Development of new antiviral treatments effective against both A and B types

Future perspectives in influenza research include the potential for mRNA vaccine technology, improved global coordination for pandemic preparedness, and the integration of artificial intelligence in surveillance and vaccine design.

As our understanding of Influenza A and B continues to grow, so does our ability to combat these viruses effectively. Ongoing research and collaboration across scientific disciplines will be crucial in reducing the global burden of influenza and preparing for future challenges in infectious disease management.

Differences, causes, symptoms, treatments, & more

Influenza A can infect humans and animals. Influenza B occurs only in humans and can be more severe.

Influenza A vs. B causes | Prevalence | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatments | Risk factors | Prevention | When to see a doctor | FAQs | Resources

It starts small. You might wake up with an annoying throat tickle and a runny nose, or you might feel a little more groggy throughout the day than usual. But there’s more on the way. You come down with a fever, chills, body aches, and you’re couch-ridden with the flu. 

“The flu” has become a broad term that people use to incorrectly describe a wide range of illnesses. We often hear people say “Oh, I came down with the stomach flu last week,” or “The kids got the 24-hour flu.” But “flu” refers to four types of influenza viruses (A, B, C, and D), most prominently influenza A and influenza B. 

Influenza A can infect humans and animals. In most cases, it’s associated with seasonal epidemics in the United States (a. k.a “flu season“) and global pandemics. It’s always changing, so it has various subtypes, including the infamous bird flu (avian influenza) and swine flu. On the other hand, influenza B has two subtypes (Victoria and Yamagata), which occur, for the most part, only in humans and mutate slower, so it’s not really a pandemic risk. 

Read on for a complete guide to these two types of flu viruses.

Causes

Influenza A

The most common form of transmission is through tiny droplets created when an infected person talks, sneezes, coughs, or breathes heavily. Type A is also (albeit very rarely) contracted via contact with an infected animal, like a bird or pig. Influenza can also be transmitted through inanimate objects if a sick individual contaminates it, such as a doorknob. 

Influenza B

Like influenza A viruses, influenza type B is primarily transmitted through contact with the droplets when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or talks. Animals aren’t usually susceptible to the influenza B virus, so generally aren’t considered to be carriers.  

RELATED: Is the flu airborne? Learn how the flu spreads

Prevalence

Influenza A

Influenza A is the most common type of flu. It accounts for approximately 75% of total flu virus infections, and it’s the most likely cause of the “seasonal flu” that hits the U.S. every winter. That’s not a small number, especially considering the 25 to 50 million cases nationwide every year. 

During the 2018-19 flu season,, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tested 1,145,555 specimens for influenza, and of the 177,039 positive results, 95% were influenza A. 

Influenza A is further broken down into subtypes based on 2 proteins on the surface of the virus called hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.. The subtypes of both of these proteins result in many different possible combinations  and unique influenza A viruses. In addition, small genetic mutations that cause changes in these surface proteins over time may allow these strains to improve their ability to infect people each season. This characteristic presents challenges in predicting a predominantly circulating influenza A virus when it comes to deciding on the composition of the influenza vaccine months before the actual flu season hits. All of these factors together contribute to the predominance of influenza A virus infection each season. 

Influenza B

Of course, numbers and percentages can vary from season to season. For example, the early stages of the 2019-2020 influenza season saw influenza B as the most common type, especially among children. 

But most years, it takes a backseat to type A. It doesn’t spread quite as easily because it mutates slower and only has two main subtypes: Victoria and Yamagata.. On average, though, type B infections account for around 25% of total flu cases. 

Symptoms

Influenza A

Symptoms of  influenza A tend to be similar regardless of subtype. The most common are runny nose, sore throat, fever, chills, body aches, and fatigue.

The main difference is their severity. Type A symptoms often come on stronger and sometimes result in hospitalization or even death. 

Influenza B

Type B causes similar symptoms to the ones listed above, but they’re usually milder. However, it still has the potential to increase in severity, causing hospitalization and death, particularly in children. 

RELATED: Coronavirus (COVID-19) vs. the flu vs. a cold

Diagnosis

Influenza A

A physical exam is the first step. If the doctor identifies common flu signs and symptoms and there is circulating flu activity in the local community, they will likely order a test to confirm the diagnosis. Every flu test requires a healthcare provider to swab a patient’s nose or sometimes throat. 

The fastest and most common test is a rapid influenza diagnostic test (RIDT). Results take 10 to 15 minutes, but they might be less accurate than other tests. Plus, RIDTs don’t provide information about the subtypes of influenza A. 

Rapid molecular assays are also common in-office tests. They take slightly longer but are more accurate than some RIDTs in that there is a less chance of a test producing a false negative or false positive. 

If a doctor needs more detailed information about the virus’ genetic material and strain, they might send the swab to a lab for more in-depth molecular assays that can differentiate influenza A subtypes. 

Novel type A viruses, typically animal-borne, don’t often show up on more basic, commercially-available tests. If a doctor suspects a novel virus, they should discuss the possibility of  a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test with local and state health departments.  Viral culture is also another available test which is generally not used for clinical decision-making, but for more extensive evaluation of viruses. Culture is most often used for monitoring of potentially novel influenza A or B viruses that might be considered for the next flu season vaccines. 

Influenza B

Like type A, the diagnosis begins with a physical examination, which can sometimes be enough to make a diagnosis. But a test is often necessary for confirmation. 

Even though type B is often a less complex virus, RIDTs are less sensitive to its antigens, so these tests aren’t always accurate. Consequently, a doctor might order a more robust test if they suspect a type B infection. 

Treatments

Influenza A

Supportive care is important in the management of a flu infection. Most people simply hunker down with home remedies like lots of fluids, plenty of rest, and that all-healing homemade chicken soup. Pain relievers like ibuprofen (Motrin) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are highly effective at mitigating flu symptoms but are not active against the virus. 

Antiviral medications are available, but even these are unable to completely eradicate the influenza virus. They are able to shorten the severity and duration of symptoms by approximately one day, therefore prompt initiation should be considered for those  who are part of high-risk groups for complications (children, the elderly, other medical conditions), or who have severe symptoms. The rationale to take antiviral medications despite their inability to eradicate viral replication includes that they may reduce risk of complications, including hospitalization. For patients already hospitalized, some data supports initiation of these medications can reduce the risk of death.  These medications should be initiated as early in the viral course as possible–ideally within two days of exhibiting flu symptoms. Tamiflu (oseltamivir phosphate), Relenza (zanamivir), Rapivab (peramivir) and Xofluza (baloxavir) are all available antivirals to treat flu. Each of these medications have their own role in therapy. For example, Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is FDA approved for use in adults and pediatric patients as young as 14 days old for treatment of influenza infection for typically a 5 day course; it also is FDA approved for prophylaxis in high risk individuals following a known exposure. Rapivab (peramivir) is available as an intravenously administered medication and is therefore used almost exclusively in patients who are hospitalized. Rapivab (peramivir) can be administered as a single dose as treatment in uncomplicated cases, but with other available options is more likely to be reserved for patients who are hospitalized and unable to receive any of the other treatment options, at which time it is administered as a daily infusion for up to 5 to 10 days.  Relenza (zanamivir) is a powder that is inhaled using an inhaler device twice daily for 5 days, and while it can be used in children as young as 7 years of age it should be avoided in people with breathing problems (like asthma or COPD). Relenza (zanamivir) can also be given for post-exposure prophylaxis like Tamiflu (oseltamivir). Xofluza (baloxavir) is a pill taken as a single dose by mouth for both treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis.    

Influenza B

Type B treatments are nearly identical to type A treatments. The most common response is simply to let the illness run its course while consuming fluids, resting, and taking over-the-counter medications.  

Because influenza B is generally less severe, it might not require antiviral medication, although healthcare providers might still prescribe them for high-risk individuals. 

RELATED: Influenza treatments and medications

Risk factors

Influenza A

Influenza A is unpleasant for the average person. Still, it can be dangerous for seniors (65 or older), children, pregnant women, people with compromised immune systems, or people with a chronic health condition (like heart disease, kidney disease, or asthma). 

Influenza B

Risk factors for type B infections and complications are very similar, although influenza B is more prevalent among children. 

RELATED: Which groups are at high-risk for flu complications?

Prevention

Influenza A

One effective strategy for effective flu prevention (and healthy living in general) is to limit potential exposure. This means washing hands, avoiding extended contact with infected individuals, disinfecting infected surfaces, etc. Anyone who’s already come down with influenza A can help stop its spread by staying home and coughing or sneezing into their elbow. 

Beyond that, the most effective line of defense is the influenza vaccine (flu shot).All flu shots will now be quadrivalent, meaning they can protect against four different flu viruses. Historically, the flu vaccine was designed to protect against only three different flu viruses: two influenza A viruses (h2N1 and an h4N2 virus) and one influenza B virus. The quadrivalent vaccines include an influenza B virus from a second lineage to provide even broader protection against circulating seasonal influenza viruses.  

Strains of influenza A (h4N2) can mutate quickly, though, so health officials have to anticipate its evolution every year. As a result, the seasonal flu vaccine can be less effective in preventing type A infections if that prediction is off.

Influenza B

Taking the same general precautions (washing hands, avoiding sick individuals, etc. ) effectively prevents type B infection and spread. The flu vaccine is typically a safe bet for influenza B, but it might not always be a perfect match for the annual strain. 

It’s important to dispel a common myth here. Getting a flu shot will not infect someone with influenza A or B. The vaccines contain dead viruses or a single influenza protein, or in the case of the nasal spray vaccine weakened live virus, none of which are enough to infect a human.

When to see a doctor for influenza A or B

A majority of people will ride out the flu from home with only mild-to-moderate symptoms. But sometimes it’s better to visit your healthcare provider. Anyone with one or more of the risk factors for complications listed above should consider seeing a professional to make sure it doesn’t evolve into a more severe disease or respiratory infection. 

A healthcare provider might also be necessary for individuals with severe or prolonged symptoms or other complications like difficulty breathing, chest pain, sudden dizziness, vomiting, neck stiffness, or loss of consciousness.

Frequently asked questions about Influenza A and B

Which is worse: influenza A or influenza B?

Influenza type A and type B are similar, but type A is overall more prevalent, sometimes more severe, and can cause flu epidemics and pandemics. 

Is influenza A virus or bacteria?

Influenza A is a virus, although it may present with similar symptoms of common respiratory bacterial infections, like sinusitis. 

How long does Type A flu last?

Symptoms typically last five to seven days, although they can linger for up to two weeks. Getting a pre-emptive flu shot or taking antiviral medications can help shorten the duration.

How contagious are influenza A and B?

Influenza is considered a contagious infectious disease. The reproductive number, or R0 (pronounced “R naught”) is a term used to describe just how contagious an infectious disease may be. For seasonal influenza, the R0 is generally 1 or 2–meaning for every person with influenza, they transmit the infection to 1 or 2 other individuals. For context, measles is reported to have an R0 of 12 to 18, while SARS-COV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) has an R0 of 1.5 to 3.5. 

The flu virus can spread from an infected person up to 6 feet away through respiratory droplets made when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Less commonly, the virus can live for a period of time on inanimate objects like doorknobs and be transmitted when picked up by an individual who goes on to touch their mouth, nose, or even eyes. 

How long is influenza A and B contagious?

People with the flu are contagious one day before symptoms develop and five to seven days after that.

Does influenza go away on its own?

In most cases, yes. Generally, it will run its course in seven to 10 days. High-risk individuals (children, the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, etc.) may need to see a healthcare provider to prevent further flu complications.

Resources

• Vaccine effectiveness: How well do the flu vaccines work?, CDC
• Rapid influenza diagnostic tests, CDC
• Hospitalization for influenza A versus B, Pediatrics
• Morbidity and mortality weekly report, CDC
• Influenza update, Pharmacy and Therapeutics
• Estimating the lineage dynamics of human influenza B viruses, PLOS One
• Key facts about canine influenza (dog flu), CDC

Influenza Type A Symptoms in Children

It’s difficult to watch your child suffer through a virus, especially when you think it could be the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC), influenza A viruses are often linked to more severe illnesses in some groups of people, including children. Kathryn Kaufman, MD, UnityPoint Health, helps identify influenza type A symptoms in children, ways to treat the symptoms and how long it’ll take them to kick the virus.

What are Influenza Type A Symptoms in Children?

Dr. Kaufman says there are two main keys for identifying any type of the flu in children. First, is the sudden onset of symptoms.

“Your child will go from feeling fine to crummy very quickly. The symptoms include fever, headache, congestion, sore throat, cough fatigue and body aches, including abdominal discomfort,” Dr. Kaufman says. “Some children will also experience vomiting.”

The second main identifier of the flu is a temperature. Dr. Kaufman says if your child doesn’t have a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, influenza is unlikely.

“Your child might not experience all the flu symptoms, but rather, he/she might have any combination of symptoms with fever, such as fever and cough or fever and body aches,” Dr. Kaufman says.

Dr. Kaufman says influenza type A can last up to 10 to 14 days.

How Do the Flu Shot and Influenza A Match?

It’s important to remember that the flu vaccine cannot cause the flu. But, if the flu strain in circulation doesn’t match the strain covered by the vaccine, there is a chance your child could still get the flu, even after getting the shot. There are still perks to getting the vaccine though.

“The possible symptoms are the same, but they will likely be less severe in someone who’s been immunized. Also, the vaccine may reduce the amount of time your child suffers from the symptoms,” Dr. Kaufman says.

Is Influenza Type A Contagious?

The short answer is yes, but Dr. Kaufman explains why it’s so contagious.

“Influenza is spread through inhaling droplets from a sneeze or cough of someone with influenza or from touching something or someone with the virus on it, like a doorknob or tissue, and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. A recent study also showed that live influenza virus can be in small drops in the air, simply from an infected person exhaling. This study did not show if someone has been infected from being exposed to these small droplets,” Dr. Kaufman says.

In general, it’s best to encourage children to frequently wash their hands, cover their sneezes or coughs and discourage them from touching their eyes, nose and mouth. She knows it’s hard, but Dr. Kaufman says to try to keep kids away from those who are ill. However, if you know your child has been exposed to the virus, she offers this advice.

“If they are under 5 years old or have any chronic health issues, such as asthma, heart disease, morbid obesity, metabolic diseases, developmental delay, seizures, cerebral palsy or cystic fibrosis, I would recommend you contact their provider to ask for recommendations,” Dr. Kaufman says.

How Long is Influenza Type A Contagious?

Dr. Kaufman says kids are contagious 1-2 days before showing any symptoms and up to two weeks after symptoms begin.

“It’s usually safe to send kids back to school or daycare once they go 24 hours without a fever, without a fever-reducing medication, like Tylenol or ibuprofen. A fever is defined as 100.4 degree Fahrenheit or higher,” Dr. Kaufman says.

How Do Providers Test for the Flu?

Dr. Kaufman says most often providers will test for the flu by swabbing the inside of the nostrils.

“Some children tolerate it without issues, but some find it uncomfortable. The rapid influenza test takes about 15 minutes for results. Another test is available to test for multiple viruses, including influenza, but it takes several hours for results,” Dr. Kaufman says.

Flu tests aren’t always administered. Dr. Kaufman says sometimes there is no benefit to performing the test, if the results won’t change the treatment of the illness.

“The provider will make the determination by weighing the likelihood of influenza infection and the severity and duration of symptoms,” Dr. Kaufman says.

How to Treat Influenza A at Home?

“You may give children acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen for fever and pain. Ibuprofen should not be given until a child is 6 months or older,” Dr. Kaufman says.

Additional at-home remedies from Dr. Kaufman:

• Put a cool-mist humidifier in the child’s room
• Give lukewarm water or lukewarm apple juice (5-15 ml, up to four times per day for children 3 months to 1 year)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of honey can help a cough (ONLY for children over 1 year of age). Try adding the honey to lukewarm water with lemon or in lukewarm herbal tea
• Use nasal saline frequently
• Use a bulb syringe, or other similar device, to remove mucus in children who can’t blow their nose

What are Influenza Type A Treatments?

Providers can prescribe antivirals, like Tamiflu, for influenza type A or any influenza strain in circulation. Dr. Kaufman says it’s OK to give this to a child, if your doctor prescribes it.

“Tamiflu interferes with how the virus replicates, which keeps the amount of virus from increasing,” Dr. Kaufman says.

If you have trouble getting young children to take the medication, here are some tips and tricks.

• Tip 1. For children who are eating solids, parents can try mixing it with a small amount of chocolate syrup or applesauce.
• Tip 2. Insert the syringe into the side of the child’s mouth, and squirt the liquid in while closing the child’s nose briefly. This will cause the child to swallow the medicine in order to take a breath.
• Tip 3. If they are over 2 years old, you may try having them suck on a cherry popsicle, to numb their taste buds, then squirt the medicine in their mouth.

If you identify any of the following flu symptoms, it’s time to consider a trip to the emergency room.

1. Rapid breathing
2. Difficulty breathing/increased work to breathe
3. Child is difficult to wake up
4. Child is inconsolable
5. Blue lips or tongue
6. Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal
7. No tears when crying
8. Refusing to drink
9. Fever of 100. 4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in any newborn 28 days or younger

Recommendations for the prevention of influenza

The Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation informs students and teachers of St. Petersburg Electrotechnical University “LETI” about ways to prevent and treat influenza.

The causative agents of influenza and SARS are transmitted from person to person by airborne droplets and are quite contagious (infectious).

In ARVI – acute respiratory viral infections of non-influenza etiology – the disease develops gradually, most often begins with fatigue, runny nose and dry cough, which then turns into a wet one.

Influenza affects the blood vessels, therefore bleeding of the gums and nasal mucosa is possible. After suffering the flu, the body becomes extremely susceptible to various infections, which leads to severe infectious complications.

SARS and influenza are especially severe in young children, the elderly, people with chronic pathologies and diseases of the immune system. The best protection against the flu is immunization. However, the vaccine does not protect against other SARS.

Proper nutrition contributes to strengthening the body. Include foods containing vitamins A, C, zinc and calcium in your diet: citrus fruits, kiwi, sweet peppers, dairy and sour-milk products, hard cheeses, boiled fish, beef, carrots with sour cream, raisins or dried apricots, etc.

When planning a visit public places, take a medical mask with you. If you sneeze and cough in a public place, cover your mouth and nose with a medical mask or handkerchief – this will help prevent infection.

Any viral disease carried “on the legs” can lead to undesirable consequences and complications in the future. In addition, a sick person infects others.

Influenza is an infectious disease that can affect anyone. The causative agent of influenza is a virus that from infected people enters the nasopharynx of others.

Most people get the flu for only a few days, but some get more severe, possibly severe, or even fatal.

Influenza exacerbates existing chronic diseases, in addition, influenza has an extensive list of possible complications:

• Pulmonary complications (pneumonia, bronchitis). Pneumonia is the cause of most influenza deaths.
• Complications from the upper respiratory tract and ENT organs (otitis media, sinusitis, rhinitis, tracheitis).
• Complications of the cardiovascular system (myocarditis, pericarditis).
• Complications of the nervous system (meningitis, meningoencephalitis, encephalitis, neuralgia, polyradiculoneuritis).

To avoid possible complications, it is important to prevent influenza in time and treat the disease properly.

Influenza usually starts suddenly. The causative agents of influenza, viruses of types A and B, are characterized by aggressiveness and an exceptionally high reproduction rate, therefore, within a few hours after infection, the virus leads to deep lesions of the respiratory mucosa, opening up opportunities for bacteria to penetrate into it.

Flu symptoms include fever, temperature 37.5 – 39°C, headache, muscle and joint pain, chills, fatigue, cough, runny or stuffy nose, pain and sore throat.

What should I do if I get the flu?

The patient himself, at the first symptoms, should stay at home, so as not only not to infect others, but also to start treatment in time, for which it is necessary to immediately consult a doctor. To prevent further spread of the infection, the sick person must be isolated from healthy individuals, it is advisable to allocate a separate room.

Important!

When you have the flu, it is extremely important to observe bed rest, as the disease increases the load on the cardiovascular, immune and other body systems.

Self-treatment for influenza is unacceptable, and it is the doctor who must diagnose and prescribe the necessary treatment, appropriate to the condition and age of the patient.

For proper treatment, it is necessary to strictly follow all the recommendations of the attending physician and take medicines in a timely manner. In addition, it is recommended to drink plenty of water – it can be hot tea, cranberry or lingonberry juice, alkaline mineral water. You need to drink more often and as much as possible.

Important!

At a temperature of 38 – 39°C, call the local doctor at home or an ambulance team.

When coughing and sneezing, the patient should cover their mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue.

The room where the patient is located should be regularly ventilated and wet cleaned as often as possible, preferably using disinfectants that act on viruses.

Contact with a sick person should be limited, and when caring for him, use a medical mask or gauze bandage.

How can you protect yourself from the flu?

According to the position of the World Health Organization, the most effective remedy against influenza is vaccination, because it is the vaccine that provides protection against those types of influenza virus that are the most relevant in this epidemiological season and are part of it.

The introduction of a vaccine into the body cannot cause disease, but by producing protective antibodies it stimulates the immune system to fight
with infection. The effectiveness of the flu vaccine is incomparably higher than all non-specific medicines that can be taken
during the winter months, such as immunomodulators, vitamins, homeopathic remedies, traditional medicine, and so on.

Vaccination is recommended for all population groups, but is especially indicated for children from 6 months old, people suffering from chronic diseases, pregnant women, and people at occupational risk groups – medical workers, teachers, students, workers in the service sector and transport.

Vaccination should be carried out 2-3 weeks before the onset of an increase in the incidence, vaccination can only be done in a medical institution by specially trained medical personnel, and a doctor’s examination is mandatory before vaccination.

Having been vaccinated against influenza, you protect your body from the attack of the most dangerous viruses – influenza viruses, but there are still more than 200 types of viruses that are less dangerous for humans, but can also cause ARVI. Therefore, during the period of the epidemic rise in the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, it is recommended to take non-specific preventive measures.

Flu Prevention Rules:

• Get your flu shot before flu season starts.
• Reduce your time in crowded places and public transport.
• Wear a mask in crowded places.
• Avoid close contact with people who show signs of illness, such as sneezing or coughing.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly, especially after street and public transport.
• Flush the nasal cavity, especially after the street and public transport.
• Ventilate the room you are in regularly.
• Regularly wet clean the room you are in.
• Humidify the air in the room you are in.
• Eat as many foods containing vitamin C as possible (cranberries, lingonberries, lemon, etc.).
• Eat as many meals as possible with garlic and onions.
• Use immune-boosting drugs and products as recommended by your doctor.
• Lead a healthy lifestyle, get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.

Seasonal influenza epidemic in Europe will be severe

December 1, 2022 Health

The influenza epidemic in Europe started early this year, and COVID-19 will continue to pose a public health threat this winter. This is stated in a joint statement by representatives of WHO and European health authorities.

The European region is currently experiencing an increase in influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulation. Together with COVID-19, these viruses are expected to have a major impact on European population health and health services. This is stated in a joint statement by European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides, WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge and Director of the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control Andrea Ammon.

“We are already seeing increased circulation of influenza A and B viruses in various parts of the region,” the statement said. “These viruses cause severe illness in the elderly, people with chronic diseases, and are also dangerous for school-age children.”

Europe’s hospitalizations are on the rise

Europe’s hospitalizations have been steadily rising since October. Nearly half of reported hospitalizations for influenza are in people over 55 years of age. In 23 European countries, 85 per cent of hospitalized patients are diagnosed with type B viruses, with children aged four years and younger increasingly being affected. Increased RSV activity is observed in 20 countries.

The number of cases of COVID-19, the number of hospitalizations and transfers of patients to intensive care units, and the death rate from coronavirus are now quite low compared to the past 12 months. However, this could change as new variants of the coronavirus emerge, the statement said.