
What are the symptoms of Influenza A and Influenza B?
I am 21 years old this year. Recently, I have been feeling unwell and have developed symptoms including high fever, cough, and sore throat. I am worried that I might have contracted an influenza virus, but I am unsure whether it is influenza A or B. What are the symptom presentations of these two types of flu, respectively?

Generally, "Jia Liu" refers to influenza A, while "Yi Liu" refers to influenza B. Influenza A and B are both respiratory infectious diseases caused by different types of influenza viruses. Although these two types share similar clinical manifestations, there are also some subtle differences. Typically, symptoms of influenza A are more severe and include high fever, chills, body aches, headache, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, or runny nose. In contrast, symptoms of influenza B are relatively milder, mainly presenting as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle pain, and fatigue, with fewer occurrences of severe systemic symptoms. However, it should be noted that both types of influenza can lead to complications such as pneumonia in vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Symptoms of influenza A are usually more severe than those of influenza B, but there can be some overlap between the two. If experiencing similar symptoms, one should initially rest at home and avoid going out to prevent spreading the infection to others. Additionally, some measures can be taken to alleviate symptoms, including drinking plenty of water, maintaining good indoor air circulation, and using antipyretic medications. If symptoms persist or worsen, or if severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain occur, prompt medical attention is advised, along with relevant diagnostic tests. A healthcare provider will then determine the appropriate antiviral or supportive treatment based on the patient's condition.