This article delves into the intricacies of influenza, differentiating between type A and type B, exploring common symptoms, and highlighting preventive measures.
Flu cases and hospitalizations are on the rise, with the majority of the country experiencing high, very high, or moderate flu activity. This season is dominated by influenza A variants, according to Dr. Sean T. Liu, associate professor of medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Specifically, the CDC notes that H1N1- and H3N2-related variants, both type A flu strains, are the most prevalent flu viruses circulating.
While the term 'flu' is commonly used, it's important to understand that influenza is a family of viruses with overlapping biological characteristics. Dr. Stuart Ray, professor of medicine and oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, explains that different lineages of influenza have emerged and persisted, similar to other viruses like the coronavirus.Type A and type B are the two most severe and common flu strains. Influenza type C exists but is less prevalent and doesn't follow the same seasonal patterns. Flu A is generally considered more severe, capable of causing pandemics like the 1918 flu pandemic. Influenza B, on the other hand, only infects humans, evolving more slowly and typically causing milder illness. However, individual cases of influenza B can become severe. The timing of type A versus type B flu seasons isn't always predictable. Flu season typically runs from October through February or March, but can extend into April. While different seasons can vary, generally, type A flu emerges earlier in the respiratory season, followed by a tail of influenza B activity.Regardless of whether it's type A or B, expect similar symptoms. Experts sometimes use the term 'flu-like illness' to describe other diseases because influenza serves as a prototype for fever-causing respiratory illnesses. Flu symptoms can include fatigue, malaise, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea, particularly in children. Like COVID-19, some individuals may experience a loss of taste or smell. It's crucial to note that distinguishing between type A and B flu based solely on symptoms is impossible. Both strains present clinically indistinguishable symptoms, requiring testing to confirm the type. Flu vaccines protect against a selection of circulating influenza A and B variants each year. Experts work diligently to monitor global and local flu activity to predict circulating strains and inform vaccine formulation. Vaccine manufacturers select one variant of type A H1N1, a variant of H3N2, and a B flu strain from a specific lineage. Previously, a second B strain (Yamagata) was included, but it's now considered extinct due to COVID-19 mitigation measures.Beyond vaccination, there are precautions to minimize flu risk, including handwashing, sanitizer use, and mask-wearing in public settings. Combination at-home tests are available to detect flu viruses, and antiviral treatments like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are effective against both A and B variants. These treatments are particularly vital for individuals with underlying health conditions that increase the risk of severe flu complications, such as heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or immunosuppression
FLU INFLUENZA TYPE A TYPE B SYMPTOMS PREVENTION VACCINATION ANTIVIRALS
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