Influenza B is a virus that infects humans, pigs, and seals. Therefore, influenza B has fewer hosts than influenza A and is less likely to cause pandemics because of this. It also mutates at a slower rate than influenza A.
Despite this, influenza B can still be quite severe in humans even though it is considered to be less dangerous than influenza A.
It is, however, highly contagious amongst humans and can still lead to an increase in hospital admissions during an outbreak.
There are numerous symptoms associated with influenza B. These include a sore throat, fever with alternating chills, coughing, and sneezing. Muscle aches, joint and general body pains can also be experienced.
Only in very severe cases, especially in those with other health conditions, a respiratory viral infection can sometimes lead to pneumonia and bronchitis, which usually require hospital treatment.
Despite influenza B not being as serious as influenza A, there are other crossover symptoms, such as fatigue and abdominal pain. Stomach discomfort can sometimes be accompanied by nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
In general, the symptoms are more severe than the common cold, but in healthy people, infection with influenza B usually resolves itself after a week or so of rest.
Influenza B is naturally occurring in the environment, and the causes of infection are close contact with an infected person or with the virus itself.
Like influenza A, influenza B can put certain individuals at greater risk than others of not only catching the virus but also suffering from complications linked to it. The individuals at greatest risk of becoming seriously ill with influenza B include children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
Diagnosis of influenza B is mostly from the symptoms that are present and the severity of them. However, swabs can be taken to help to identify the exact virus that is present.
The general treatment for influenza B aims to ease the worst of the symptoms whilst the body fights the infection. Painkillers, cough medicines, and drugs to lower fevers are often used successfully.
If the symptoms are particularly bad, then antivirals and antibiotics can be administered for any secondary infections that may develop. If breathing is an issue, then oxygen can be used along with inhalers and other drugs that are used to calm irritation or inflammation in the respiratory tract.
The best way to lessen the chances of being infected by a virus is to avoid crowds and enclosed spaces where keeping a fair distance away from others is not possible, especially indoors.
Keeping healthy and eating a nutrient-rich diet bolstered with supplements such as vitamin D can also help prevent influenza from taking hold. Vitamin D is especially beneficial in the winter months when many individuals become vitamin D deficient because of the lack of strong sunshine.