Is flu B better than flu A?

Is flu B better than flu A?

Influenza B almost exclusively infects humans and is less common than influenza A. Flu type B also mutates about two to three times more slowly than influenza A. Because humans are the natural host of influenza B, pandemics generally do not occur with influenza B viruses.

What is Flu A and Flu B?

Over the course of a flu season, different types (A & B) and subtypes (flu A) of flu circulate and cause illness. Flu A and B viruses are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics more commonly known as the flu season. Flu viruses can change in two different ways—antigenic drift and antigenic shift.

How long is flu B contagious?

When Flu Spreads Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Children and some people with weakened immune systems may pass the virus for longer than 7 days.

How bad is influenza A?

Type A influenza infection can be serious and cause widespread outbreaks and disease. Common symptoms of type A infection can be confused with other conditions. While in some milder cases the flu can resolve on its own without significant symptoms, severe cases of type A influenza can be life-threatening.

How contagious is type A flu?

Contagiousness. Both influenza A and B are highly contagious. When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, droplets can enter another person’s nose or mouth, transmitting the illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , flu viruses can infect others from up to 6 feet away.

What is the difference between flu A and flu B 2020?

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.

How long should I stay home with the flu?

Individuals with suspected or confirmed flu, who do not have a fever, should stay home from work at least 4-5 days after the onset of symptoms. Persons with the flu are most contagious during the first 3 days of their illness.

Can influenza A be cured?

Are you or someone in your house sick with the flu? There’s no cure, but there are some natural ways to ease your symptoms.

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