Experts break down the three different types of flu found in humans, including Influenza A, B, and C. Read on to learn about each type of flu.
wasn't stressful enough, it turns out there are actually three different types of flu that affect humans: influenza A, B, and C. While we generally use"the flu" as a catch-all term for all three viruses, each one affects us differently, and some types of flu are more severe than others.
, the flu is primarily spread through respiratory droplets . If you come into contact with a surface or object that has any of the flu viruses on it, then touch your mouth, nose, or eyes, you are at risking of contracting the flu. Infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, MD, notes that there are also countless different types of influenza A viruses that circulate in water fowl . The flu can infect people within a six-foot radius and"live" for up to 48 hours depending on the surface — a fact that has us washing our hands frequently during flu season. To give you a better idea of what to expect from each kind of influenza, we asked experts to break down the different types of flu. Read on to learn more about the various signs, symptoms, and treatments of each, plus how to tell them apart.The three main types of flu in humans include influenza A, B, and C. There's also influenza D, but this primarily affects cattle and is not known to infect people. Although each type of flu may affect your body differently, they can all have a serious impact, says nurse Raelene Brooks, PhD, RN. " is usually viral, and often involves both the upper airways and lower airways " Dr. Brooks says."Anytime the lower airway is affected, there is a concern surrounding the entire body's oxygenation and circulation.", it's the only category known to cause flu pandemics. Influenza A viruses can be broken down into further subtypes determined by the two proteins found on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin and neuraminidase . You might be familiar with H1N1 which caused a pandemic in 2009. Influenza A can infect both animals and humans, and as previously mentioned, avian influenza also falls into this category.: Influenza B viruses are responsible for many of the seasonal flu epidemics. Still, influenza B is often milder than influenza A, can only infect humans, and does not usually cause pandemics.There are a few ways to narrow down the type of flu you're dealing with. This can be especially useful if you have a weakened immune system, chronic illness, or are actively experiencing another medical condition."Viral sub-typing is performed using diagnostic tests," Dr. Adalja says. This might include a rapid influenza diagnostic test which involves a nasal swab . Molecular flu tests are another option, including polymerase chain reaction tests. These are generally more accurate and can detect smaller amounts of the flu, according toGenerally speaking, symptoms of the flu include body aches, fever, and chills, Dr. Brooks says. However, if you want to know the specific virus you're dealing with, she says influenza A and B are usually similar in symptom presentation. These may include:Dr. Brooks says influenza C generally causes milder symptoms or sometimes no symptoms at all. Common flu C symptoms may include:Influenza A is generally considered the most severe."Certain avian influenza viruses have high case fatality rates but are constrained in the ability to spread between humans," Dr. Adalja says."The 1918 H1N1 influenza virus, which was of avian origin, killed just one to two percent of those it infected, yet because of its transmission efficiency, may have killed 100 million people." That said, influenza B is not to be underestimated."Both can be severe, with influenza A and B reported to have similar rates of hospital stays, intensive care unit admissions, and deaths," Dr. Brooks says."For starters, it pays to know that the flu vaccine is designed to help prevent influenza A and B epidemics, Dr. Brooks says. Beyond getting your flu shot,"The body needs adequate hydration and nutrition to support the cells that are fighting on the front lines against bacteria and viruses," she says. Here's what she recommends for flu treatment and prevention:: Dr. Brooks recommends 10 to 12 glasses of water a day."When more fluids are consumed, this adds to the body's overall blood volume and circulation," she says."This increase in volume and blood flow carries more oxygen and nutrients to support our front-line immunity cells to fight the good fight against the virus/bacteria.":"Taking extra Vitamin C, zinc, and micronutrients found in any over the counter multivitamin will help to decrease inflammation," Dr. Brooks says."Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the body, so making sure you're getting enough Vitamin C will help support a healthy immune system." As always, make sure to check with a healthcare professional before trying any new supplements or medications.can make a big difference. Dr. Brooks specifically recommends foods rich in vitamins and protein."Stick to whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, chicken, fish, potatoes, rice, and beans," she says."These foods contain the macro and micro nutrients the body needs to support the front-line immunity fighter cells." Try to avoid foods high in sugar, fat, and preservatives — all of which can increase the body's inflammatory response, Dr. Brooks says.: If you're suffering from a bad cough and congestion, vapor rub can provide some temporary relief."Vapor rub is a great over the counter remedy to open the nasal and throat passages," Dr. Brooks says.: It might not sound appealing in the moment, but gargling with salt and warm water can help decrease inflammation of the throat lining, Dr. Books says. is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.was an associate editor with PS Fitness. She's a NASM-certified personal trainer and Precision Nutrition level 1 coach, and was a Division 1 All-American sprinter.
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