What are the symptoms of influenza A and B?

Jan 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ren Yi

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, symptoms of Influenza A include high fever, headache, muscle pain, cough, and fatigue. Symptoms of Influenza B include fever, headache, muscle pain, cough, and sore throat. It is recommended to maintain good personal hygiene habits in daily life, such as frequent hand washing and keeping indoor areas well ventilated, which can help prevent the occurrence of influenza.

Influenza A refers to Type A influenza, while Influenza B refers to Type B influenza. Generally speaking, symptoms of Influenza A include high fever, headache, muscle pain, cough, and fatigue. Symptoms of Influenza B include fever, headache, muscle pain, cough, and sore throat. A detailed explanation is as follows:

I. Symptoms of Influenza A

1. High Fever: Influenza A typically starts suddenly and is characterized by high fever. Body temperature can rapidly rise to 39°C or higher and usually lasts for 3–5 days.

2. Headache: The Influenza A virus triggers a systemic inflammatory response, causing dilation of blood vessels in the skull, which leads to severe headaches. Patients often describe the pain as a throbbing or pressing sensation.

3. Muscle Pain: Generalized muscle pain is a typical symptom of Influenza A. Patients may feel muscle weakness and limited mobility, with possible involvement of muscle groups in the limbs, waist, and back.

4. Cough: The Influenza A virus causes significant damage to the respiratory mucosa, leaving the respiratory tract in a prolonged state of irritation. The cough is usually prominent and may be dry or accompanied by a small amount of white mucus. The cough may persist for a relatively long time.

5. Fatigue: Infection with the Influenza A virus and the body's immune response consume a significant amount of energy, leading to pronounced fatigue. Patients often feel extremely exhausted and unable to carry out normal daily activities. Even with adequate sleep and rest, the fatigue may not subside quickly.

II. Symptoms of Influenza B

1. Fever: Patients with Influenza B typically have a fever ranging between 38°C and 39°C. The fever usually lasts about three days. With appropriate care and medication, some patients' body temperatures may return to normal more quickly.

2. Headache: Headaches in Influenza B are generally milder, often described as a dull ache or mild pressure. This type of headache does not significantly affect the patient’s daily life and rest as severely as in Influenza A. Symptoms may improve after taking pain-relief medications.

3. Muscle Pain: Muscle pain in Influenza B is less severe compared to Influenza A and may be limited to certain muscle groups, such as those in the legs or shoulders.

4. Cough: Coughing in Influenza B is relatively mild and may occur occasionally or be a mild persistent cough. The amount of sputum produced may be slightly more, and the sputum may be white and viscous or slightly thin.

5. Sore Throat: Sore throat is a common symptom in Influenza B. Patients may feel slight itching or a mild foreign body sensation in the throat, but pain during swallowing is generally not significant.

It is recommended to maintain good personal hygiene habits in daily life, such as frequent hand washing and keeping indoor spaces well ventilated, to help prevent influenza.

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Is dizziness after influenza A a sign of recovery?

Under normal circumstances, "Jia Liu" refers to Influenza A H1N1. Whether dizziness following Influenza A H1N1 indicates recovery depends on the specific circumstances. If dizziness is the only symptom present without other accompanying symptoms, it usually suggests the condition is improving. However, if dizziness is accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as headache, tinnitus, or fatigue, it may not indicate improvement. If any discomfort persists, prompt medical attention is recommended.

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How is influenza classified?

Influenza can generally be classified into types such as influenza A, influenza B, influenza C, simple-type influenza, and pneumonia-type influenza. Influenza A: caused by the influenza A virus, which is prone to mutation and can lead to global pandemics. Symptoms are usually severe, characterized by high fever, headache, and muscle aches, and some patients may develop complications.

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How is influenza A transmitted?

In general, influenza A is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets, close contact, airborne aerosols, contact with contaminated objects, and mother-to-child transmission. It is recommended to take proper personal protective measures in daily life, wear masks correctly when going out, and avoid crowded places. Wash hands frequently with soap or handwash and running water.

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What medication can be taken to prevent H1N1 flu in advance?

In general, influenza A can be prevented through vaccination and the use of antiviral medications. Drugs used for prophylaxis should be taken under medical supervision and commonly include oseltamivir phosphate capsules, zanamivir inhalation powder, peramivir chloride injection, baloxavir marboxil tablets, and Lianhua Qingwen capsules. It is also important to maintain good daily habits, such as frequent handwashing.