Understanding Influenza B: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
Influenza B is a type of virus that causes respiratory infections in humans. It belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family of viruses, and like other types of influenza, it can spread easily from person to person.
Symptoms of influenza B are similar to those of other types of influenza and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, although these symptoms are more common in children.
Influenza B is typically less severe than influenza A, but it can still cause significant illness, particularly in vulnerable populations such as young children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
Prevention measures for influenza B include getting an annual flu vaccine, washing your hands frequently, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and staying home if you are sick. Treatment for influenza B typically involves managing symptoms with over-the-counter medications and staying hydrated. Antiviral medications may also be prescribed in some cases to help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.
