what is the difference between flu a & b?
16002
Strains of influenza B are exclusively contracted by humans, while influenza A can be carried (and spread) by animals, however, both strains are transmitted mainly by respiratory droplets from coughing and contact with an infected person.
635994
H1N1 flu is a subtype of influenza A. Subtypes of influenza A are categorized based on two proteins on the surface of the virus, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are many H and N subtypes, and each one is numbered. All H and N flu subtypes are influenza A viruses.
1202954
Knowing the difference can save you time and money during cold and flu season. The symptoms of a bacterial infection and a virus are often very similar—fever, muscle aches, cough, and sore throat—but they require different treatments.
1083640
Now, both flu vaccines designed for older adults are trivalent and not quadrivalent. Quadrivalent vaccines do provide protection against an additional influenza B strain. However, experts say that older adults are less likely to be seriously ill from influenza B than from influenza A.
609596
Flu shots protect against three or four strains of flu virus. Trivalent flu vaccines protect against two influenza A strains — H1N1 and H3N2 — and one influenza B strain.
372150
While hepatitis A and B both impact the liver, the two viruses differ greatly from one another. Hepatitis B is a blood-borne pathogen; its primary mode of transmission is through direct blood-to-blood contact with an infected person.
481534
Pneumonia vs. Cold symptoms tend to start slowly. You're more likely to sneeze and have a runny nose and sore throat than with either the flu or pneumonia.
1034591
The flu is an extremely contagious upper respiratory illness caused by influenza A and B viruses. Symptoms include a fever, runny nose, chills, fatigue, and body aches. In severe cases, the flu can lead to viral or bacterial pneumonia or sepsis, which is a life-threatening complication of an infection.
635479
A fever, headache, and other aches and pains are common with the flu but less so with colds. People who have colds usually have a stuffy nose and sore throat. That's less common when you have the flu. Flu symptoms often hit suddenly, which makes you weaker and weaker.
1256820
You're more likely to sneeze and have a runny nose and sore throat than with either the flu or pneumonia. Colds don't usually cause a fever in adults.
575892
Flu generally starts more suddenly and severely than a cold, with a higher fever and chills. A child with the flu feels much more achy and uncomfortable. A child usually has a cold for 3-10 days. The flu lasts 7 to 14 days and symptoms may linger for up to 3 weeks.
421357
Data so far indicates that this year's flu vaccine is 45% overall effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The flu vaccine was more effective against flu type B this year compared to flu type A.
600363
Flu vaccines also have reduced the risk of flu hospitalization among adults age 65 and older by 54% against A(H1N1) viruses and by 31% against influenza B viruses on average (2). However, protection against influenza A(H3N2) flu viruses has been less consistent.
1423812
In the past, it was thought that infection with influenza A was more severe than infection with influenza B. However, a 2015 study in adults with influenza A and influenza B found they both resulted in similar rates of illness and death.
1089885
However, influenza respiratory symptoms may be more severe and can lead to other health complications. If you have asthma, a respiratory infection can worsen your symptoms and may even trigger an attack. If left untreated, or in more severe cases, influenza B can cause: pneumonia.
122090
Type B. Similar to type A, influenza B is also highly contagious and can have dangerous effects on your health in more severe cases. However, this form can only be spread from human to human. Type B influenza can cause seasonal outbreaks and can be transferred throughout the year.
298963
What Is Type B Flu Virus? Unlike type A flu viruses, type B flu is found only in humans. Type B flu may cause a less severe reaction than type A flu virus, but occasionally, type B flu can still be extremely harmful. Influenza type B viruses are not classified by subtype and do not cause pandemics.