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Influenza Type A And B: Differences, Symptoms, Treatment And Prevention
Influenza, commonly known as flu is a viral respiratory infection caused by different flu viruses. This contagious infection usually spreads through respiratory droplets when a person who is infected with the flu virus coughs or sneezes. Influenza most commonly occurs during the fall and winter months.
There are different types of influenza viruses that belong to the family Orthomyxoviridae. There are four types of influenza virus - type A, B, C and thogotovirus, out of them only type A and B are the common influenza viruses that mostly affects humans [1].
In this article, we will discuss the differences between influenza type A and B viruses.
What Is Influenza Type A Virus? [2]
Influenza A viruses are single-stranded negative-sense RNA viruses that have a genome consisting of eight segments. The subtypes of influenza A viruses are H1N1, H3N2 and rarely H1N2 that infects humans. The subtypes are divided on the basis of two proteins on the surface of the virus i.e hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are about 18 different hemagglutinin subtypes (H1 through H 18) and 11 different neuraminidase subtypes (N1 through N11).
There are about 198 different subtype combinations of influenza A, only 131 subtypes have been detected [3].
Type A flu virus can infect humans and animals, and usually wild birds are the hosts of this type of virus. The virus multiplies in the digestive tract of the birds and the infection is usually asymptomatic. In wild aquatic birds, all influenza A subtypes have been found (16 species of H and 9 N). Influenza A viruses also infect pigs, horses, poultry, dogs and occasionally sea mammals.
Influenza type A viruses are primarily transmitted through the faecal-oral route. These viruses are capable of causing a pandemic.
What Is Influenza Type B Virus?
Influenza B viruses are negative-strand RNA viruses with a genome consisting of eight segments. Since, 1940, the virus has been detected in the human population, they are the primary hosts of influenza B viruses. Influenza B infection has been reported in marine mammals as well.
The influenza B viruses are not divided into subtypes, but there are two lineages of this type B virus - Victoria and Yamagata. Influenza B virus do not cause a pandemic[4].
The
mutation
of
the
virus
happens
more
slowly
as
compared
to
influenza
A
virus,
however,
the
mortality
rates
of
type
B
virus
is
higher
among
the
elderly.
The
influenza
type
B
virus
is
primarily
transmitted
through
inhalation
of
respiratory
droplets
containing
the
virus.
Both the influenza A and B viruses are spherical or filamentous in shape, with spherical forms having a diameter of 100 nm and the filamentous forms are 300 nm in length [5].
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Symptoms Of Influenza A and B Viruses
•
Fatigue
•
Cough
•
Headache
•
Nasal
congestion
•
Sore
throat
•
Body
aches
•
Fever
•
Chills
•
Vomiting
•
Diarrhoea
•
Shortness
of
breath
•
Chest
pain
•
Loss
of
consciousness
Prevalence Of Influenza A and B Viruses
According to a study published in PLOS One, approximately 75 per cent of confirmed cases are of influenza A virus, and influenza B virus is responsible for about 25 per cent of confirmed cases [6].
Contagiousness Of Influenza A and B Viruses
Both influenza type A and B are highly contagious. People who are infected with Type A and B viruses can spread the virus to others from up to about six feet away through cough, sneeze or talk. These water droplets can either fall in the mouth or nose or it can be inhaled by a person who comes in contact with the infected person [7].
People with influenza are extremely contagious in the first three to four days after their illness starts. Also, healthy adults can transmit the virus to others even before the symptoms appear and five to seven days after falling sick.
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Who Are At A Risk Of Influenza A and B Viruses?
•
Pregnant
women
•
Children
younger
than
five
•
People
with
certain
chronic
medical
conditions
•
Adults
aged
over
65.
Diagnosis Of Influenza A and B Viruses
The doctor will conduct a physical examination and check for symptoms of influenza virus. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is done to detect the strain of the influenza viruses [8].
Treatment Of Influenza A and B Viruses
The treatment consists of home remedies and antiviral medications.
Home Remedies
•
Drink
plenty
of
water
and
fluids
•
Take
proper
rest
•
Drink
warm
broth
•
Salt
water
gargle
to
soothe
sore
throat
•
Drink
herbal
tea
•
Apply
essential
oils
•
Eat
a
bland
diet
•
Steam
inhalation
Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medications are prescribed by the doctor to reduce the complications and symptoms of influenza virus. The antiviral medications are oseltamivir, zanamivir, peramivir andbaloxavir marboxil that comes in the form of pill, liquid, inhalable powder and intravenous therapy.
Prevention Of Influenza A and B Viruses
• Stay home when sick.
• Limit contact with sick people.
•
Often
wash
your
hands
with
soap
and
water
•
Cover
your
nose
and
mouth
while
coughing
or
sneezing.
• Clean the surfaces in your home.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth with infected hands.
• Wear a mask before leaving the house.
• Get an annual seasonal influenza vaccine.
Common FAQs
1. Which flu is worse? A or B?
A. Type B influenza virus is least severe as compared to type A influenza virus.
2. How serious is type A flu?
A. Type A flu virus can be dangerous because it mutates faster and is capable of causing a pandemic.
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