What is Influenza B? Everything you need to know

Brace your immune system

• In this article:

• Common symptoms of Influenza B

• How to treat Influenza B

• The difference between Influenza A and B

Here’s what you need to know about influenza B, from the most common symptoms to the most effective ways to recover.

Flu season is officially upon us. 

Barely recovered from the years-long public health crisis that was Covid-19, safeguarding our health has become a priority for most Aussies. 

But with contagion all around – with a new strain of something popping up in the news every week – the winter months can seriously test the stamina of our immune systems. Everywhere we go, a chorus of sniffles, sneezes and coughs can be heard, leaving many of us particularly apprehensive to leave the house. 

The latest culprit forcing people to call on their sick leave? Influenza B. 

What is the difference between influenza A and B?

While there are three major strains of influenza that impact people – influenza A, B and C – the latter is more commonly associated with mild respiratory infections and is yet to be associated with a large-scale epidemic. 

Influenza A and B however, are constantly spread throughout populations, causing seasonal epidemics throughout the year. But what exactly is the difference between the two?

Throughout history, instances of Influenza A viruses have been categorically more harmful, holding the potential to cause more sinister symptoms. They can also be spread through aquatic birds, meaning large outbreaks are more common, given that some strains of the virus can be transmitted from bird to human.   

Some examples of devastating Influenza A outbreaks are the Spanish Flu in 1918, Swine Flu in 2009, and Bird Flu in 2004. 

On the other hand, Influenza B almost always exclusively infects humans and is generally less common than its A counterpart. One reason for this is the fact that flu type B mutates roughly three times slower than flu type A. Its inability to jump between species like Influenza A also renders the possibility of a Type B pandemic unlikely. 

Temperature is a huge indicator of the flu. Image: Pexels

Signs and symptoms of Influenza B

The spectrum of regular flu symptoms can most commonly be found in those infected with Influenza B, such as the presence of a sore throat, fever, headache, cough, runny nose, and minor aches and pains. In children, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting can also be common symptoms. 

Though many of these symptoms can often indicate a common cold or other non-viral ailments, one of the telltale signs of Influenza B is the presence of a fever (as indicated by a thermometer).

While every case of Influenza B is different, most people infected will experience their symptoms for over a week. Some people – often those with increased immunity from up-to-date vaccinations and previous infections – may only be afflicted with mild symptoms for a few days. 

Of course, in extreme cases of Influenza B, people can develop complications pneumonia and respiratory distress requiring medical intervention. In any case, if you do come down with a case of Influenza B, or display any flu symptoms, it is important to stay home and avoid contact with others to avoid contagion.​

According to NSW Health, adults typically remain infectious for three to five days, while children may remain infectious for seven to ten days.  

Over-the-counter meds may help alleviate symptoms, but won't cure the flu. Image: Pexels

How do you treat influenza B

For most unlucky flu infectees, treatment of your symptoms largely depends on riding them out. Largely depends on letting the flu run its course, unfortunately. While over-the-counter medications will not entirely cure a case of the flu, they can significantly help manage and ease any uncomfortable symptoms. 

Staying hydrated, nourishing your body with the right foods, and ensuring you’re getting enough quality sleep will all help rally your immune system against incoming viruses. 

As always, ensuring you’re up-to-date with your flu vaccinations will also increase your immunity against a range of variants floating around, as well as lessen the impact of any virus that does manage to infect you.

Originally published as What is Influenza B? Everything you need to know