How to differentiate between influenza B and roseola in infants
Disease description:
The child at home has recently developed a fever, suspected to be either influenza B or roseola infantum. How can influenza B and roseola infantum be distinguished?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
The main differences between influenza B and roseola infantum lie in their symptoms and causative pathogens. Influenza B is caused by infection with the influenza B virus and commonly presents with high fever, cough, runny nose, and other respiratory symptoms, along with prominent systemic manifestations. In contrast, roseola infantum is primarily caused by viral infection, with the typical feature being a sudden high fever followed by the appearance of a rash after the fever subsides. When differentiating between the two, attention should be paid to clinical presentation and diagnostic testing; if there is any uncertainty, prompt medical evaluation is recommended.
