Does it matter if I have flu A or flu B?
The most commoninfluenzaviruses in humans are flu A and flu B.
It will also cover causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
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Flu symptoms generallylast from a few days to about a week or two.
But in some people in high-risk groups, the flu can be serious enough to require hospitalization.
In some cases, it can befatal.
Deaths in the United States from influenza from 2010 to 2020 ranged from 12,000 to 52,000 a year.
Hospitalizations associated with influenza ranged from 140,000 to more than 700,000 per year over the same period.
Flu A viruses mutate (change genetically) more frequently than flu B.
The subtypes that are circulating change from year to year.
Flu A is usually more prominent earlier in the flu season, while flu B emerges later.
Droplets containing the virus are then breathed in by others.
Diagnosing Flu A vs.
Some types of tests can also identify whether you have pop in A or B.
Your provider may be able to do the test on-site, or they may send it to a laboratory.
Treating Flu A and Flu B
Flu A and flu B are treated in the same way.
Many people recover from the flu on their own.
Check with a healthcare provider before you try home remedies.
They may prescribe anantiviral medicationthat can reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the flu by about a day.
Children age 6 months to 8 years may need two injections.
The vaccine protects against both flu A and flu B.
It contains strains that are predicted to be circulating, two flu A viruses and one flu B.
Also, the vaccine’s effectiveness wanes by the end of the yearly flu season.
Flu A is more common overall and can be more serious in adults.
Flu B is more common in children and may be more serious in young children.
Both types are very contagious and most easily transmitted during the first few days after becoming ill.
The symptoms are similar, though they can vary in intensity.
You may develop a fever quickly and feel achy and tired.
Respiratory symptoms develop later.
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