How to differentiate between type A and type B influenza

Influenza A and influenza B are two distinct types of influenza viruses, differing in transmission mechanisms, symptoms, detection methods, and prevention and treatment approaches. First, their transmission mechanisms differ: influenza A spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and direct contact, while influenza B spreads mainly through airborne transmission, although it can also spread via prolonged or indirect contact. Second, the symptoms of influenza A and B vary. Influenza A typically begins with fever, fatigue, headache, and nausea, whereas influenza B often presents initially with fever, headache, muscle aches, and coughing, and lung CT scans may reveal pneumonia lesions. Third, the detection methods differ: real-time quantitative PCR technology is used to detect influenza A virus, while influenza B virus is detected using ELISA or other epidemiological methods depending on the viral strain. Finally, prevention and treatment strategies differ as well. Influenza A can be prevented with vaccination and treated with antiviral medications or intravenous fluids. For influenza B, light physical activity according to symptom severity may help accelerate viral clearance, and antiviral therapy can be administered based on the clinical condition.