With influenza on the rise in the United States, a CHOC expert provides an overview of the virus, the conditions it causes and when parents should worry.
In this Q&A, Dr. Antonio Arrieta, an infectious disease specialist at CHOC, answers some common questions parents have about influenza B.
What is influenza B?
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Its severity can vary from mild to severe, and in some cases, can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, or worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma or heart disease. Rarely it may result in life threatening complications such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), respiratory failure requiring assisted ventilation and occasionally death.
What is the difference between the flu and the cold?
Both the flu and the common cold are contagious respiratory illnesses, but different viruses cause them. Flu is caused by influenza viruses only, whereas the common cold can be triggered by a variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses.
What are the symptoms of influenza B?
Symptoms of Influenza B may include:
- fever
- body aches
- chills
- headache
- runny or stuffy nose
- gastrointestinal issues in a few cases like nausea and diarrhea
- often, muscle pain can be severe and may require hospitalization
How can you help prevent influenza B?
Preventing and managing influenza B can be supported through vaccination, good hygiene practices, and antiviral medications. It’s important for everyone in your family to get their flu shot every year.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive their annual flu vaccination by late October, ideally before the start of flu season.
However, if you haven’t received your flu shot yet, it’s not too late! The vaccine is still highly recommended for anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated. Not only does it help protect you from the flu, but it significantly lowers the risk of severe complications, such as hospitalizations or even death.
The flu shot does not cause the flu and helps keep kids and parents from getting sick. Babies younger than 6 months can’t get the vaccine. But if their parents, other caregivers, and older kids in the household get it, that can help protect the baby.
How is influenza B transmitted?
Influenza spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. It is common for people to cover their mouths when they cough, but they should then wash their hands as our hands are a common way to contaminate surfaces or to pass the virus to others through a friendly handshake.
What is the treatment for influenza B?
Treatment for Influenza B mainly focuses on easing symptoms while the body fights off the virus. Antiviral medications can help shorten the duration and reduce the severity of symptoms. Antiviral medication should be strongly considered when influenza (A or B) is diagnosed or when someone is seeking medical attention for influenza like illness (ILI). This is of greater importance in children and other people with underlying diseases which or require treatments that weaken the immune system or with chronic respiratory illness like asthma.
How contagious is influenza B?
Influenza B is highly contagious and can spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
People with the flu can be contagious about one day before symptoms start and up to five to seven days after they begin to feel sick. However, young children may remain contagious for a longer period than adults. Individuals with weakened immune systems can be contagious for several weeks.
Is influenza B bacterial or viral?
Influenza B is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air.
How does influenza B affect the body?
Influenza B mainly targets the respiratory system, causing discomfort throughout the body. The virus primarily infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, leading to symptoms like cough, congestion, and a sore throat.
Although less common in adults, children may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, alongside the typical respiratory symptoms. Severe muscle pain is common in patients with influenza B.
How to avoid spreading the flu?
- Avoid close contact with others until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications.
- Be sure to clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, countertops, and light switches.
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer regularly.
When should you seek medical advice for the flu?
Consider seeking medical attention if you have ILI, as antiviral medication may be helpful. You should seek medical attention if your symptoms persist for more than 5 days or if you’re feeling worse or not improving after 2 – 3 days. If you develop new fever, chest pain or difficulty breathing within 1 – 3 weeks after influenza or ILI. You should seek medical attention since serious bacterial infections often follow uncomplicated influenza.
Why do people need a flu vaccine every year?
Even if you received the flu vaccine last year, it may not offer enough protection this year due to changes in the flu viruses. That’s why the flu vaccine is updated annually to include the most current strains of the virus.
Sometimes, the same strains from one year are included in the next, but it’s still important to get the flu vaccine each year. Over time, the body’s immunity against the influenza virus weakens, so regular vaccination is essential.
Getting the flu vaccine not only protects you but also helps safeguard those around you. It reduces your chances of getting the flu and, as a result, lowers the likelihood of spreading it to others.
How can you recover from the flu?
To aid your recovery, make sure you get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and take over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen to help manage symptoms.
Do not use medications like ibuprofen, unless instructed by a health care provider. Do not take aspirin when you have influenza or ILI, particularly if you have influenza B.
Learn more about Flu
- Kids and the Flu
- Why getting a flu shot is more important than ever
- Should My Kids Get the Flu Shot This Year?
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