Which is more severe, Influenza B or Influenza A?
Disease description:
Hello doctor, I'm Xiaomin's mom. Recently, many students in my child's class have had fevers, and I heard some have influenza A and some have influenza B. May I ask which one is more severe, influenza B or influenza A?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Ren Yi
Influenza A refers to type A influenza, and influenza B refers to type B influenza. Both type A and type B influenza are caused by influenza viruses. Generally, the severity of type A influenza is usually higher than that of type B influenza. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Type A influenza is caused by type A influenza viruses, such as subtypes H1N1 and H3N2. It mutates easily, spreads widely and rapidly, and often causes large-scale epidemics. Type B influenza is caused by type B influenza virus, mutates more slowly, often causes localized outbreaks, and has a higher infection rate among children.
Type A influenza is characterized by prolonged high fever and severe systemic symptoms. Some high-risk groups, such as the elderly, children, and patients with chronic diseases, are prone to develop into severe cases, which may be complicated by pneumonia, myocarditis, etc. Type B influenza symptoms are relatively mild, but children may experience febrile seizures after infection and require close observation.
Most patients recover within 1-2 weeks, but the rate of severe illness in type A influenza is higher than in type B influenza. The specific severity varies from person to person. If a child develops persistent high fever, rapid breathing, or lethargy, timely medical attention is needed to avoid delayed treatment. Prevention methods include annual influenza vaccination, frequent hand washing, and wearing masks in daily life.
