Differences between Flu A and Flu B: Check All Details Here

Influenza, commonly known as influenza, is an infectious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses. It ranges from mild to severe and in some cases can lead to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or the worsening of chronic diseases such as asthma or heart disease. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, the flu spreads through respiratory droplets. Understanding its causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment is crucial to public health awareness.

Source: CDC.GOV

Current flu season trends

  • Influenza cases in the United States are surging and hospitals are exhausted.
  • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most cases this season are caused by influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2 variants).
  • Influenza activity remains high to high in many states
  • Flu A: More common at the beginning of the flu season (October to January).
  • Flu B: More common at the end of the season (February to April).
  • The flu season varies every year, and both strains can be circulated at the same time.

Causes of flu

Influenza is caused by influenza viruses and is mainly divided into four types:

  • Influenza A: The most common type known for causing seasonal influenza epidemics and epidemics.
  • Influenza B: Circulate every year, usually not as good as influenza A.
  • Influenza C: Causes mild respiratory infection and does not lead to epidemics.
  • Influenza D: It affects cattle, but I don’t know that it will infect humans.

What is the difference between flu A and flu B?

Source: CDC.GOV

The difference between flu A and flu B is:

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Influenza a

Influenza b

Virus Type

belong coviridae Family; has multiple subtype classifications based on hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) proteins (e.g. H1N1, H3N2).

Also belongs to Myocardial sporosis But there is no subtype; instead, it has two main ancestry: Victoria and Yama Pass.

Severity

More severe due to rapid mutations and the potential of pandemics. May cause higher hospitalizations and mortality rates to cause a strong flu season.

It is usually lighter than influenza, but it still causes serious illness, especially in people at high risk.

Mutation rate

The high mutation rate is caused by antigen transfer (mainly genetic changes that lead to new subtypes) and antigen drift (gradual mutation).

Lower mutation rate; only undergoes antigen drift, which means that the virus changes slowly over time.

Possibility of a pandemic

As shown by the Spanish flu in 1918 and the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, it was able to cause a global pandemic due to antigen transfer.

It will not cause a pandemic, as it only circulates between humans and lacks major genetic transfer.

spread

Spread through respiratory droplets, contaminated surfaces and close human contact. Zoonotic transmission (animal to humans) is possible.

Similar to the transmission method of influenza A, but limited to human-to-human transmission.

Affected Age Groups

Affects all ages, but is more dangerous for infants, older people, pregnant women and people with low immune function.

It mainly affects children and the elderly, but often leads to serious illness.

Animal Reservoir

Yes – found in birds, pigs, horses and other animals, this increases the risk of zoonotic transmission and new strains.

No – Mainly infecting humans; no known animal storage reduces the chances of new strains that appear in animals.

Seasonal

Flu seasons (fall and winter) are more common and peak. It can be circulated throughout the year in certain areas.

It occurs seasonally, but is less frequent compared to influenza A.

What are the symptoms of influenza?

Symptoms of flu usually appear suddenly and may include:

  • High fever or chills
  • Continuous cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose or nasal congestion
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Fatigue and powerlessness
  • Headache
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children than in adults)

in conclusion

Understanding the differences between flu and flu B can help better manage and prevent. While influenza A is more aggressive and has pandemic potential, influenza B can still cause major illnesses. Vaccination, hygiene and early testing remain the best defense against both strains.