What are the differences between Influenza A and Influenza B?

Mar 13, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Ren Yi

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the differences between influenza A and influenza B include their definitions and pathogens, target populations and transmission ranges, infected populations, severity of symptoms, and risks of complications. During flu season, receiving a flu vaccine, maintaining personal hygiene, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and staying away from crowded places can help prevent influenza.

Generally speaking, the differences between influenza A and influenza B include definitions and pathogens, transmission targets and ranges, infected populations, severity of symptoms, and risks of complications. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Definition and Pathogen

Influenza A is caused by the influenza A virus, a single-stranded RNA virus that is a common epidemic virus and prone to mutation. Influenza B is caused by the influenza B virus, which differs in structure and transmission characteristics from the influenza A virus.

2. Transmission Targets and Range

The influenza A virus can infect not only humans but also various animals, including birds, thus having a broader transmission range. The influenza B virus mainly spreads among humans and rarely infects other animals.

3. Infected Populations

Influenza A virus poses an infection risk to people of all age groups, especially the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems who are more susceptible to infection and likely to develop severe illness. Influenza B virus primarily affects children and adolescents, with fewer infections in adults and generally milder illness.

4. Severity of Symptoms

Symptoms caused by the influenza A virus are usually more severe, including high fever, muscle pain, and headache. Symptoms of influenza B virus infection are relatively mild, typically presenting as fever, nasal congestion, and muscle pain.

5. Risk of Complications

Compared to the influenza B virus, the influenza A virus is more likely to cause serious complications, such as viral pneumonia and myocarditis, particularly evident in high-risk groups like children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic diseases. Although influenza B may also lead to complications, its risk is generally lower than that of influenza A.

During flu season, getting a flu vaccine and maintaining personal hygiene habits, as well as avoiding contact with infected individuals, can help prevent the flu.

View All

Which blood test indicator shows Type A or Type B influenza?

For blood tests for Type A and Type B influenza, key indicators include white blood cell count in routine blood tests, lymphocyte count in routine blood tests, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and influenza virus-specific antibodies. In daily life, it is important to maintain personal hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap or hand sanitizer, thoroughly cleaning according to the seven-step handwashing technique, especially after touching public items, before meals, and after using the toilet.

View Full Answer

How long do antibodies against influenza A remain in the body?

Influenza A refers to type A influenza. The antibodies for type A influenza generally remain in the body for 6 to 12 months, although the exact duration may vary among individuals. It is important to maintain a regular sleep schedule and ensure adequate rest to support normal immune function. A balanced diet rich in nutrients such as vitamins and proteins is also recommended.

View Full Answer

What are the symptoms of H1N1 flu?

Influenza A usually refers to type A influenza. Generally, as an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by the influenza A virus, common symptoms mainly include fever, respiratory discomfort, muscle and joint pain, gastrointestinal reactions, headache, and fatigue. After developing symptoms of influenza A, one should rest adequately, drink plenty of fluids, and maintain good indoor ventilation.

View Full Answer

Why is there no fever when infected with influenza B?

Influenza B usually refers to type B influenza. Generally speaking, the main reasons for being infected with type B influenza without developing a fever include strong immunity, low viral load, low basal body temperature, immunosuppressive status, or being in the early stage of the disease. If discomfort symptoms appear, it is recommended to seek timely treatment at a正规 hospital. The detailed analysis is as follows: