Influenza type A is a common infection that can cause widespread outbreaks of influenza. It can cause fever, body aches, chills, fatigue, headache, and other symptoms.
Flu virus causes a respiratory illness known as influenza. Influenza viruses are classified into four types: A, B, C, and D. Humans can contract influenza A, B, and C. However, only influenza A and B are responsible for annual seasonal outbreaks of illness. respiratory.
Influenza A virus is further classified into subtypes based on two proteins found on its surface: hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). HA is divided into 18 subtypes, which are labeled H1 through H18. Similarly, there are 11 distinct subtypes of NA, indicated by the numbers N1 through N11. Influenza A viruses are classified by their HA and NA subtypes. H1N1 (often known as swine flu) and H3N2 are two subtypes of influenza A that you may be familiar with.
Difference Between Influenza A Virus and Influenza B
Influenza B viruses, like influenza A viruses, can be classified into particular clades and subclades. In general, influenza B viruses evolve more slowly in terms of genetic and antigenic characteristics than influenza A viruses, particularly influenza A(H3N2) viruses. Runny nose, sore throat, fever, chills, body aches and tiredness are the most frequent. The key distinction is its hardness. Type A symptoms are more severe compared to influenza B.
Prevalence of A vs. B
Influenza A infections are estimated to account for about 75% of all confirmed seasonal influenza infections. The remaining 25% are due to influenza B infections. Although influenza A will cause the majority of confirmed cases during the influenza season, influenza B infections may become more common later in the season. This occurred during the 2017-2018 flu season.
Contagion A vs. B.
Influenza A and B are extremely infectious. When people contract either strain, they can transfer the virus up to two meters away by coughing or sneezing. You can potentially contract the virus by coming into contact with a surface infected with the virus and then touching your nose or mouth.
Severity and recovery in A vs. B.
An uncomplicated influenza A or B infection can induce symptoms that persist for about a week. After two weeks, some people may still have a cough or feel tired.
Certain subtypes of influenza A are more dangerous than others. In the recent past, for example, influenza A (H3N2) viruses have been associated with higher hospitalizations and mortality in children and the elderly than in other age groups.
H3N2 symptoms:
The symptoms of H3N2 flu are similar to those caused by other seasonal flu viruses. Symptoms usually come on abruptly and can include:
- cough
- runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Aches and pains in the body
- Fever
- Diarrhea
H3N2 Prevention:
To avoid getting sick from seasonal flu viruses, take the following precautions:
- Every year, get a flu shot. If possible, try to get it before the end of October.
- Hands should be washed frequently
- Avoid crowded places where the virus could spread quickly
- Avoid contact with sick people.
- If you have the flu, you can avoid spreading it to others by staying home until your fever has subsided and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
Conclusion
The flu, or influenza, can be hard to distinguish from a normal cold. Both are viral respiratory infections with many symptoms in common. Both the common cold and the flu are contagious, although cold symptoms are milder and resolve within a week to 10 days. While most people recover from the flu in less than two weeks, the symptoms are more severe and dangerous consequences such as pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus or ear infections can occur, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Disease Prevention (CDC). Antibiotics are not an effective treatment option for colds and flu as they are caused by viruses and not bacteria.
(Contributions from: Dr Aniket Mule, Internal Medicine Consultant, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road)
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