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Influenza is also referred to as flu, a contagious respiratory illness that often affects people of all ages. You may have heard of different influenza viruses; influenza A and influenza B are the two primary types. One common question people ask when they get the flu is: Is influenza A or B worse? The answer is not as simple as simply saying one type is more dangerous. Both influenza A and B can lead to mild to severe illness. Understanding the difference between influenza A and B can help you identify symptoms, how long it may last, and know when medical care may be necessary.
Influenza or flu affects the respiratory system, which covers the nose, lungs and throat. It is contagious and spreads from person to person, especially when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. Flu symptoms usually appear quickly and may include:
Flu symptoms usually develop quickly and are generally more severe than those of the common cold. Most healthy people recover from it within several days to a couple of weeks, but it can sometimes lead to serious complications. Older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain health problems are often at high risk of complications.
The primary type of influenza that infects humans is influenza A. It can lead to many seasonal flu infections and can cause illness ranging from mild to severe. Influenza A can affect both humans and some animals. It is categorised into different subtypes depending on proteins present on their surface. It may change over time, which is the primary reason new strains can emerge. Although influenza A can lead to severe disease, having influenza A doesn’t always mean that a person will have a more serious illness than someone with influenza B.
Influenza A can lead to several symptoms that are very similar to those caused by influenza B. Here are common symptoms:
Many people with influenza A symptoms feel better within 3 to 7 days. However, this doesn’t mean that a person will recover completely within a week. They may experience cough and tiredness for another week or longer. It may take older adults, young children or people with a chronic disease longer to recover. The length of this condition may vary from one person to another. Resting enough, drinking fluids and following medical guidance can help recovery.
Influenza A is highly contagious. An infected person can spread the virus beginning about one day before symptoms appear. During the first few days after becoming infected, people are usually most contagious. However, some people continue spreading influenza even after 5-7 days of getting infected.
There’s no easy answer to whether influenza A is worse than B. Both types of influenza can cause serious disease. The severity of the illness depends on factors like age, the specific virus, your health and your immune system. Influenza A gets most of the attention because it has caused large outbreaks. But that doesn’t mean that all influenza A are worse than influenza B. Flu B can also cause serious respiratory problems and complications. You need to consider the severity of symptoms rather than just focusing on whether influenza A is worse than B.
Influenza B virus causes seasonal flu. Influenza B is different from influenza A, as it is found among humans. They have symptoms that appear similar to influenza A, including cough, fever, sore throat, headaches, body pain, and tiredness.
Yes, influenza B is contagious. The infection can spread from an infected person when he/she coughs, sneeze, or talk.
People with influenza A and B can recover with:
Influenza A and B can cause significant illness, and neither type should be considered worse than the other. If you develop flu symptoms, you can speak to doctors at Magnus Medical, which is a reliable Glenroy Medical Centre.
