Difference Between Influenza A and B: Symptoms, Treatment, and Which is More Risky?

Although the flu typically does not last for a long time, its symptoms are bothersome. It does not stop at just a runny or stuffy nose or a cough; it can also cause body aches, fever, or fatigue, making routine daily activities exhausting.

However, influenza is not just one type as some people might think; there are several types, the most important being Influenza A and B.

So, what is the difference between Influenza A and B? Which one is more dangerous to your health? And how can the flu be treated and prevented?

What is Influenza?

Influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused by various influenza viruses. It can cause symptoms such as:

• Muscle aches.

• Headache.

• Fever.

These symptoms usually disappear within four to seven days with rest and over-the-counter medications (Non-Prescription Medicine). However, sometimes it can lead to serious illnesses and potentially death.

How Does the Flu Spread?

Influenza viruses enter your body through the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, or mouth.

Every time you touch any of these areas, you potentially transfer a virus to yourself.

If you are infected with an influenza virus, symptoms may appear one to four days after exposure.

Types of Influenza Viruses

Influenza viruses are divided into four types:

1. Influenza A

2. Influenza B

3. Influenza C

4. Influenza D

During the flu season (from October to May), you will most often hear about Influenza A and B.

As for Influenza C, it usually causes only mild illness and is not associated with widespread outbreaks.

Regarding Influenza D, it appears that it does not affect humans at all and is found primarily in cattle.

Therefore, the two main types circulating among humans are Influenza A and B.

What is Influenza A?

Influenza A can infect animals, but it is more common for it to infect humans. Wild birds usually serve as the host for the Influenza A virus. This virus is characterized by constant change and is generally responsible for large influenza epidemics.

Influenza A2 (and other types of flu) spreads through people who are already infected, whether through surfaces touched by the infected person or rooms they were in recently, especially areas where they were sneezing.

Strains of the Influenza A virus that circulate among humans include:

• H1N1 virus.

• H3N2 virus.

What is Influenza B?

Unlike Influenza A viruses, Influenza B viruses are found only in humans. Although they cause a less severe reaction than Influenza A, they can be extremely harmful at times. Influenza B viruses are not classified by subtype, and they do not cause pandemics.

What is the Difference Between Influenza A and B?

Influenza A and B can be distinguished through:

1. Symptoms of Influenza A and B

2. Influenza A is More Common

Influenza A infections are more common, accounting for about 75% of all cases, while Influenza B causes only about 25% of cases.

Children and adolescents under the age of 18 are twice as likely as adults to develop symptomatic influenza infections.

On the other hand, Influenza A is more common in children younger than 2 years old, while Influenza B is more common in children younger than 4 years old.

3. Seasonal Patterns

Influenza A usually appears earlier in the flu season, peaking in the fall and early winter, while Influenza B tends to appear later.

4. Severity of Illness and Complications

Both Influenza A and B can cause life-threatening complications, such as pneumonia, but Influenza A is generally considered more dangerous. High-risk groups include:

• The elderly.

• Children.

• Pregnant women.

• Those with weakened immune systems or chronic diseases.

Influenza B can also cause serious complications, especially for children under the age of five.

5. Influenza A is More Likely to Cause Epidemics

An epidemic is an outbreak of a disease that affects many people in a specific area. Influenza A is more likely to cause an epidemic because it is capable of spreading from animals to humans, creating new strains.

Additionally, the Influenza A virus mutates faster, leading to more versions of the virus.

In contrast, the Influenza B virus infects humans only and mutates five times slower, making it less likely to cause epidemics.

Laboratory Diagnosis of Influenza

Certain tests help diagnose the flu. If you are at high risk or suffering from severe symptoms, a doctor may request tests to confirm that influenza is the cause.

Some tests can determine the type of flu, such as:

1. Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test (RIDT)

The most common flu test. A sample is collected via a nasal swab and tested for influenza virus antigens (substances on the virus that can trigger the body’s immune response).

Results take approximately 15 minutes, but they may not be as accurate as other tests.

2. Rapid Molecular Assay

A sample is taken with a nasal swab and analyzed for its genetic profile. Results take about 30 minutes.

3. Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR)

This test is the most accurate of influenza tests. It uses a different process to analyze the genetic structure of the nasal swab sample.

It may take a few hours to get results, and the results can identify whether you are infected with Influenza A or B.

How to Treat Influenza A and B

Doctors usually recommend the same treatments for both Influenza A and B. Available treatment options include:

1. Home Treatment

The following can be tried to help reduce flu symptoms at home:

• Drinking plenty of fluids.

• Getting enough rest.

• Taking over-the-counter medications, such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, to relieve pain.

2. Antiviral Medications for Influenza

Antiviral drugs are available by prescription only and help treat flu and its complications or prevent them. These drugs are most beneficial for people at risk of flu complications, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with chronic diseases.

These medications work best when taken within a day or two of the onset of symptoms. Examples include:

• Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)

• Zanamivir

• Peramivir

These drugs work by reducing the virus's ability to release itself from infected cells.

Influenza A and B Medications from the Pharmacy

AlJawaher AlMotamayza Pharmacies provide a range of effective medications for treating the flu, but a doctor must be consulted to determine what is suitable for you:

1. Oselta 75 mg Anti-influenza 10 Capsules

Oselta capsules contain the antiviral substance "Oseltamivir," which helps treat Influenza A and B viruses and relieve associated symptoms.

2. Viralise Antiviral Nasal Spray 10 ml

Viralise is an antiviral nasal spray that traps and deactivates cold and respiratory viruses, and also helps moisturize and protect nasal tissues.

How to Prevent Influenza?

The following tips can help you prevent the flu or avoid transmitting it if you are infected:

• Limit contact with people who have active infections.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

• Wear a mask when leaving the house.

• Disinfect surfaces that may contain flu germs.

Everyone aged 6 months or older should get a flu vaccine every year.

It may take about two weeks for flu antibodies to develop after getting the vaccine, so the seasonal flu vaccine should be obtained before the flu season starts.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

A doctor should be consulted in case of any of the following:

• Persistent fever for more than 3 days.

• Mild to moderate dehydration (e.g., dry mouth or decreased urination).

• Symptoms do not improve after a few days.

• You have concerns about the worsening of other conditions you have after contracting the flu.

• Need for advice regarding antiviral medications or home care.