Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by viruses, that starts in October and lasts through April. While the flu causes mild symptoms in most people, it can lead to severe illness and even death in certain groups, such as infants, children, and the elderly. The flu is responsible for many losses of life each year, but that is often overlooked. 

Influenza has two strains, influenza A and influenza B. That is why it is important to get the flu shot every year to protect you and your family from the different strains.  

Influenza B

Influenza B is a subtype of the influenza virus. Influenza B causes mainly respiratory symptoms which can become severe. Even though most flu symptoms are the same, influenza viruses can mutate and become different strains. Since the virus keeps mutating, having flu vaccines every fall is a great way to protect yourself from newer strains. 

For the 2019-20 flu season, the influenza B strain is the dominant one. According to the CDC, the B strain doesn’t change or mutate as often as the A strain. This type of strain only affects humans, so it is referred to as an epidemic. This B virus is extremely dangerous to children and can cause death in severe cases. Severe cases are less common in adults, but they should still get the vaccine. 

Influenza B Symptoms 

At first, you may feel that you have a cold since you have its common symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and a sore throat. However, colds tend to gradually develop while the flu usually comes on suddenly. You may feel weak for a few days when you have a cold, but when you have the flu, the symptoms usually make you feel very sick for several days to weeks. When you have the flu, other serious medical conditions may also arise such as pneumonia.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu:

• High fever (over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Fatigue and weakness
• Dry cough 
• Sore throat
• Cold sweats
• Nasal congestion
• Body aches 

Virus Transmission

When someone who has the flu coughs or sneezes, the virus can travel through air droplets. By coming into contact with someone or something with the virus, you can become contaminated. This can be walking into a room in which someone with the flu sneezed, or touching a doorknob that someone with the flu touched. This is why everyone knows to always wash their hands. 

People who previously had the flu usually develop antibodies to fight off that specific virus strain. If they become infected again by a similar flu strain, the antibodies produced by their body against that strain may help prevent the infection entirely. Although these antibodies may not provide protection against other subtypes of influenza.

Risk Factors

There are many factors that contribute to a person’s susceptibility to the virus. These include the following:

• Age: Infants and young children are most likely to suffer from the flu. Elderly adults are another group that is dangerously affected by the flu virus. 
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women are more likely to experience complications from the flu. They are at a high-risk during their second and third trimesters. Pregnant women should get the flu shot. 
• Chronic Diseases: People who have chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes can develop complications from the flu. 
• Obesity: Individuals who are overweight can be more likely to experience complications from the flu. Someone who is overweight may also have asthma or diabetes, which can be worsened. 
• Weak Immune System: People who have a weak immune system are more likely to catch the flu. This includes people undergoing cancer treatments, corticosteroid therapy, or HIV/AIDS. 

Influenza Treatment

Antibiotics don’t work on viral infections, so that is not a treatment option. Antibiotics are typically effective when treating bacterial infections. For the treatment of the flu, antiviral medications can help reduce the duration of the flu and its symptoms. Antiviral medications should only be given to high-risk groups and people who have serious health conditions. Most healthy individuals who have the flu do not need to take antivirals. Antiviral medications include:

• Peramivir (Rapivab)
• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
• Zanamivir (Relenza)

Medications for fever and body aches include:

• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Naproxen (Aleve)

If you or someone you know has the flu, always seek medical attention before taking any medications. Many medications have unknown side effects, especially when combined with others. Your best defense against the flu is to get annual vaccinations.