Difference Between Flu A And B Symptoms

Know The Difference Between Type A Flu And Type B Flu

Are you aware that theres type A flu and type B flu? If not, then youre in the right place. This article will get you introduced to the key differences between these two types of flu. Make sure that you share this article on your various social media sites afterwards to get everyone you love know about type A flu and type B flu, too!

Just a quick heads-up before we begin: everything you will encounter below is not meant to be taken as professional advice, which can only come from the mouth of your trusted doctor.

Can Influenza A Be Prevented

Influenza spreads very easily from one person to another. If you have influenza, you should stay at home while you’re sick, cover your face when you sneeze or cough, and regularly wash your hands.

If you are around someone with influenza, you can help avoid getting sick yourself by regularly wiping surfaces they touch, using a cleaning cloth with detergent, and washing your hands.

Getting vaccinated each year before winter arrives is the best way to protect against influenza A. A new vaccine is needed every year because influenza viruses change constantly.

Flu vaccine is available for everyone aged over 6 months. The vaccine is particularly recommended if you are at risk of complications of influenza, or if you live or work with people at high risk of getting the flu.

Which Type Of Bird Flu Is In The News

Health care professionals had been very vocal about the strain of avian influenza known as H5N1.

The reason H5N1 has caused so much alarm is its ability to pass from wild birds to poultry and then on to people. While wild birds are commonly immune to the devastating and possibly deadly effects of H5N1, the virus has killed more than half of the people infected with it. The risk of avian flu is generally low in most people because the virus does not typically infect humans. Infections have occurred as a result of contact with infected birds. Spread of this infection from human to human has been reported to be extremely rare.

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How Are Viral Infections Transmitted

Viruses replicate within the hosts cells to create copies that can be passed on, or transmitted, to others. Like bacteria, virus transmission can occur through multiple pathways. Some viruses can be transmitted by respiratory droplets when a person talks, coughs, or sneezes.

Viruses can be transmitted when you touch a surface that is contaminated and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. They can also be transmitted by contaminated water or food. Some viruses are spread through sexual contact or through contact with blood via needle or transfusion.

Who Should Get The Flu Vaccine

According to the National Advisory Committee on Immunization , evidence indicates that influenza vaccination is beneficial for people of all ages. It is now recommended that all people 6 months of age and older receive the vaccine, with a special focus on those at higher risk of influenza-related complications.

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When To See A Doctor

Seek medical attention immediately if you suspect that you have an infection and you have experienced:

• An animal or a human bite
• Difficulty breathing
• A cough lasting longer than a week
• Periods of rapid heartbeat
• A rash, especially if it’s accompanied by a fever
• Swelling
• Blurred vision or other difficulty seeing
• Persistent vomiting

• Staying current with recommended vaccinations, including childhood vaccinations, the yearly flu vaccine, pneumonia vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine

Which Children Are At Risk For The Flu

A child is more at risk for the flu if he or she:

• Is around people infected with the flu

• Has not had the flu vaccine

• Does not wash his or her hands after touching infected surfaces

Young children and children with certain underlying health conditions are at increased risk for a hospital stay or severe or complicated influenza infection.

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How To Treat Covid

Theres another benefit to getting tested: When you know which virus you have, you can get treatment accordingly.

For each of them, its about symptom control, Dr. Englund says. For COVID-19, you want to make sure youre keeping an eye on your temperature and using a pulse oximeter, a small device you put on your finger to make sure that your oxygen levels are in a normal range.

• Rest up. When youre sick with any virus, taking it easy will allow your body to devote its limited energy to fighting back.
• Stay hydrated. Hydration is essential when youre sick, helping ensure that your organs and muscles are working properly.
• Ease your symptoms. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or cold-and-flu medicine nay help you feel better while you recover. Be sure to follow proper dosage instructions.
• Talk to your doctor. Theres no real treatment for COVID-19, though you may be eligible to receive monoclonal antibodies. If you have the flu, your doctor may prescribe treatment that can help cut down on the amount of time you feel sick.

Difference Between Influenza A And B

Influenza A vs B

Influenza is the common viral infection, which is commonly called the flu. This infection is common to mammals as well as birds. The viruses are all belong to the group orthomyxoviridae. There are three types of influenza viruses. They are type A, B and C. Even though the virology may differ from one infection to the other, general features, symptoms, investigations and diagnosis, treatment, prevention and prognosis go along similar principles.

Full blood count may show a response to infection. Viral cultures may be used to confirm the diagnosis if doubts are there. Drinking a lot of fluids, bed rest, and good nutrition are very important to aid recovery. Antivirals are needed only in severe disease. Neuraminidase inhibitors and M2 inhibitors are the most commonly used antiviral drug classes. Prevention of influenza is difficult because of it can spread along many pathways. Good hygiene, hand washing, using separate utensils, and wearing masks may go a long way towards limiting spread. There is a flu vaccine available. It is recommended to healthcare workers, children, elderly, and people with long standing diseases. This vaccine can even be given to HIV/AIDS patients, post-transplant patients, and those who are on immuno-suppressive drugs. Because influenza viruses mutate and change rapidly, vaccination does not confer lifelong immunity. The protection lasts for about two to three years.

Influenza A

Influenza B

Influenza A is commoner than B.

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How Can I Help Prevent The Flu In My Child

The best way to prevent flu is to have the yearly flu vaccine. The flu vaccine is given as a shot . A nasal spray is not recommended for the 2017-2018 flu season. The CDC says this is because the nasal spray did not seem to protect against the flu over the last several flu seasons.

Each year, a new flu vaccine is available before the start of the flu season. Talk with your healthcare provider if you have questions about how vaccines work and how well they prevent flu. The first time a child between the ages of 6 months and 8 years gets a flu vaccine, he or she will need a second flu vaccine one month later.

The vaccine is advised for all children 6 months and older. But for some children, its more critical for them to get a flu shot. The flu shot should be given to any child who has any of these:

• A long-term heart or lung condition

• An endocrine disorder such as diabetes

• A kidney or liver disorder

• Weak immune system from HIV/AIDS or long-term steroids

• A blood disorder such as sickle cell disease

A flu shot should also be given to:

• A child who has a family member with a chronic health condition

• A child or teen taking aspirin as long-term therapy

• A child with parents or caregivers at high risk of complications from the flu

Some side effects of the vaccine can be like mild flu symptoms, but the vaccine does not cause the flu. Possible side effects of the flu vaccine include:

And you can help prevent your child spreading the flu to others if you:

People Who Need More Than One Influenza Vaccine A Year

There are some people who are recommended to have a second dose of the influenza vaccine within the space of one year. These people include:

• Children less than 9 years of age receiving their influenza vaccine for the first time require 2 doses 4 weeks apart for an adequate immune response.
• People who have had a haematopoietic stem cell transplant or solid organ transplant and are receiving influenza vaccine for the first time after transplant.
• Pregnant women, who may be vaccinated with the next seasons influenza vaccine if it becomes available in the latter part of their pregnancy, even if they were vaccinated with the previous seasons vaccine prior to or earlier in pregnancy.
• Overseas travellers, who may benefit from a second dose of this seasons influenza vaccine if going to the northern hemisphere winter and receiving the northern hemisphere formulation there is not feasible.

Please check with your GP to find out whether you fall into one of these categories.

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When To See Your Doctor

For your yearly flu shot. Everyone 6 months and older should visit a healthcare provider every year to get a flu vaccine. The best time to go is soon after the vaccine becomes available in the fall.

If you develop flu symptoms. If you do get sick, it is important for you to call your doctor as soon as possible to receive prompt treatment with antiviralsespecially if you are at high risk for complications. Antivirals can be effective in reducing the severity of flu and the duration of the disease.

For flu complications. Pneumonia can be caused by the flu virus or by bacteria that get into the lungs when the body’s defense system is weakened by the flu. See a doctor if you:

• Have difficulty breathing
• Experience chest pain as a result of coughing or
• Are coughing up yellow, green or bloody phlegm.

Other infections that may be associated with the flu include sinusitis, bronchitis and ear infections.

If your cough won’t go away. You may have a cough that lasts for weeks to months after flu symptoms go away and it may keep you up at night. This cough has been associated with asthma-like symptoms, and can be treated with asthma medications. Consult a healthcare provider if you have this kind of cough.

What Is Flu A

Influenza A viral strain, which is an orthomyxovirus, causes Flu A. This virus is responsible for the most devastating form of the disease and has a potential to cause epidemics and pandemics. Antigenic drift gives rise to new strains of influenza and these viruses result in epidemics in various parts of the world at irregular intervals.

Genetic reassortment of the viral RNA is the cause of antigenic drift. Moreover, some of the subtypes of influenza A can cause more severe disease than the others.

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What Are The Side Effects Of Flu Vaccines

The flu vaccine is safe and cannot give you the flu. Most people have no problem with a flu vaccine.

The most common side effects are soreness, redness, or swelling where you were vaccinated. Some people also get a headache, fever, nausea, or muscle aches. These side effects may start shortly after getting the vaccine and can last up to two days. They typically do not get in the way of daily activities.

Even people with mild egg allergies can safely get most flu vaccines. Egg-free flu vaccines are also available. You should not get vaccinated if you have had a severe allergic reaction to the flu vaccine in the past. Talk with your health care provider about your options for flu vaccines and side effects.

The Flu Vs Bronchitis

The flu typically comes on strong, causing excessive fatigue, weakness, chills, and body aches that improve gradually. For all its similarities, acute bronchitis is mainly defined by a nagging, persistent cough that emerges more gradually and changes over time.

Given that bronchitis is a common complication of influenza, however, its entirely possible to come down with the flu and wind up with a lingering case of acute bronchitis.

Whenever you develop a major respiratory infection, its important to seek a proper diagnosis no matter what you think you have. Just as treatment options can vary from one respiratory illness to the next, complication risks can vary from one person to the next.

If youve been feeling under the weather, the team at American River Urgent Care can help. Call 916-287-8569 or click online to book a same-day visit at your convenience, or simply stop in any time during our normal business hours.

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What Causes The Flu

The flu is caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. These viruses spread when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk, sending droplets with the virus into the air and potentially into the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. You can also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching your own mouth, eyes or nose.

You can spread the flu before you know you are sick, beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others for an even longer time.

How Long Someone Can Spread The Virus

Similarities:

For both COVID-19 and flu, its possible to spread the virus for at least 1 day before experiencing any symptoms.

Differences:

If a person has COVID-19, they could be contagious for a longer time than if they had flu.

Most people with flu are contagious for about 1 day before they show symptoms.

Older children and adults with flu appear to be most contagious during the initial 3-4 days of their illness but many people remain contagious for about 7 days.

Infants and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for even longer.

COVID-19

How long someone can spread the virus that causes COVID-19 is still under investigation.

Its possible for people to spread the virus for about 2 days before experiencing signs or symptoms and remain contagious for at least 10 days after signs or symptoms first appeared. If someone is asymptomatic or their symptoms go away, its possible to remain contagious for at least 10 days after testing positive for COVID-19. People who are hospitalized with severe disease and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for 20 days or longer.

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Key Points About The Flu In Children

• Influenza is a very contagious viral infection of the respiratory system.

• It causes a high fever, body aches, a cough, and other symptoms.

• Most children are ill with the flu for less than a week. But some children have a more serious illness and may need to be treated in the hospital. The flu may also lead to lung infection or death.

• The flu may be treated with acetaminophen, cough medicine, and antiviral medicine. Your child will also need lots of rest and drinking plenty of fluids.

• The best way to prevent flu is to have the yearly flu vaccine. Because the viruses change, researchers create a new flu vaccine each year to help protect against strains of the virus that are currently active. The vaccine is advised for all children 6 months and older.

What Are The Symptoms Of Influenza A

If you have influenza A, you will have some or all of these symptoms:

• sore throat and cough

Children may also have abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Influenza A is a bit like a very bad cold, but a cold doesn’t usually cause aches and pains or a high fever.

If your symptoms get worse instead of better, it’s best to see a doctor. You should also get help straight away if you feel chest pain, you are short of breath, dizzy or confused, or you are vomiting a lot.

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Flu Vs Strep Throat: Us Prevalence

Influenza is a seasonal illness, taking place predominately during the late fall and winter. The annual rate of influenza worldwide is five to 10 percent in adults, and 20 to 30 percent in children. During the peak flu season, hospitals can be overwhelmed with patients. The impact of pandemic results in high numbers of absenteeism and productivity losses.

There are an estimated 9,000 to 11,500 cases of strep throat in the U.S. annually. Deaths from invasive cases of strep throat occur in 10 to 15 percent of patients. Strep throat is most common among school-aged children, but adults may still develop it as well.

Flu Symptoms In Children

Flu symptoms in school-age children and adolescents are similar to those in adults. Children tend to have higher temperatures than adults, ranging from 103°F to 105°F. Flu in preschool children and infants is hard to pinpoint since its symptoms are so similar to infections caused by other viruses.

If the symptoms mentioned above are present and the flu is circulating in your area, please contact a healthcare provider immediately.

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