FLUE A against influenza B: What is the worst?

When the cold strikes, trying to avoid the flu may have the impression of dodging a field of cough and sneezing mines.

According to centers for Disease Control (CDC), about eight percent of the American population falls ill from the flu each season.

Flu is a very contagious respiratory disease that generally strikes hard and fast, and can let you feel drained, painful and huddled under a blanket. In the worst cases, this can lead to hospitalizations and even death.

But whether you hoped to hope for this viral villain or bounce back quickly, know how to spot symptoms and how to protect you can make all the difference.

What is the difference between influenza A and B?

“There are in fact four different varieties of influenza,” explains Susan Wolf, clinical director of the Digital Care OSF. “But the two who affect people most are the type of flu A and the type of influenza B.”

Flu A is the most common of both. It can infect humans and animals and tends to have more mutations. This means that it is more likely to lead to complications. It tends to reach its peak at the start of the season – in the fall and early winter.

Flu B is less common and only affects humans. It is less likely to mutate and tends to stay quite similar every year. It is more likely to strike later in the season, at the end of winter and early spring.

“As viruses, he finds new ways to infect us, which makes it more difficult for vaccines to follow,” explains Susan. “It makes it more difficult to prevent it from spreading.”

Flow against the symptoms of flu B

Flu A and flu B have the same symptoms. However, the symptoms of flu A tend to be worse than the symptoms of flu B.

The most common symptoms are:

• Body pain
• Chills
• Fatigue

• Fever
• Headache
• Sore throat or cough

Sneezing, a flowing nose and stomach pain are other less common symptoms.

Is there a test for the flu?

Finding out if you have the flu can help exclude other conditions. You can also have other conditions such as the Streptococcal or Covid-19 throat at the same time as the flu.

“Other conditions can be dealt with differently, such as streptococcal angina which requires an antibiotic,” explains Susan. “It is important to obtain the right diagnosis and the right treatment to avoid health complications.”

There are home kits available to test influenza A and B, as well as COVID-19 and RSV. You can also be tested in urgent care or the office of your primary care provider.

Can you get flu A and flu B at the same time?

It is possible to have flu A and B at the same time or develop one after the other.

“Because they are caused by different strains, antibodies of a strain do not protect against the other,” explains Susan.

Are there any processing options for influenza A and influenza B?

Whatever the type of flu you have, there is no quick remedy.

But there are options to treat your flu symptoms.

Most of the time, flu symptoms can be managed at home. If your symptoms are serious and you visit your doctor within 48 hours, they can prescribe Tamiflu. This will help reduce the severity of your symptoms.

“Taking alternating doses of Tylenol and Motrin can help relieve a lot of discomfort,” says Susan. “There are also many cold and over -the -counter influenza drugs that treat respiratory symptoms, such as mucinx.”

In addition to medicines, rest and hydrated stay can help you feel better.

How long does influence A last and influenza B?

Although it may look like an eternity, most of the flu symptoms generally resolve in 3 to 7 days.

If you have flu A, some persistent symptoms, such as cough or congestion, can drag up to two weeks, especially if you have another condition at the same time.

“These persistent symptoms can mean that you are always contagious, so it’s a good idea to avoid contact with others, if possible,” explains Susan.

When should I go to the doctor for the flu?

The main thing to watch with the flu is your fever and your respiratory symptoms.

You should ask for care if:

• You have a high temperature (greater than 102 degrees) which does not improve with the right dose of tylenol or motorrin.
• You develop a cough or a whistling breathing.

“A current complication that we see of flu is the symptoms that develop in pneumonia,” explains Susan. “This is a serious pulmonary infection that can affect anyone, especially high -risk groups such as children under 2 years of age and adults over 65.”

If you experience light symptoms, your primary care provider can guide you with processing options. However, if your symptoms aggravate or if you have trouble breathing, a strong persistent fever or chest pain, it is preferable to go to the emergency room immediately.

How to prevent the flu

Although there is no way to prevent flu, you can take measures to reduce the severity of your symptoms if you get it.

“Flu vaccines are available from September until March,” says Susan. “It is always the best proactive defense that we must remain as healthy as possible during the flu season.”

Last update: March 18, 2025