Important Information About Influenza B.
Influenza is known best by its popular nickname ‘flu’. It is caused by the presence of the RNA virus in the respiratory tract of many animals, birds and humans. The most common symptoms of this illness are fever (between 100-103 degrees), cold, cough, general tiredness and a headache. Some people even get nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Most people who get the flu suffer quite a bit for one or two weeks but then go on to making a full recovery. But if the patient is elderly, weak, just recovering from surgery etc. flu can lead to some potentially dangerous and fatal conditions such as pneumonia.
In the US alone, flu accounts for about 36,000 deaths per year. Almost anyone can contract influenza but the elderly and those with existing chronic illnesses are more prone to getting this disease.
The virus that causes the disease has been categorized into 3: A, B and C. Influenza C causes only a mild respiratory infection with very mild symptoms. However, the A and B type influenza viruses are a lot more severe and require hospitalization and can sometimes lead to an untimely death. Influenza B and A can quickly spread to epidemic proportions.
Influenza B causes the same range of symptoms as influenza A and while not impossible, it is difficult to tell them apart even under an electron microscope. A big difference between the two is that the influenza B virus affects only humans and seals, giving them the disease. Due to this limited host, this virus does not spread as a pandemic, as the A virus does. But even with this advantage, the virus could lay claim to one-third of all the confirmed cases of influenza in the US in 2008. Due to this high incidence of influenza B, the trivalent flu vaccine contains a component that guards against it.
Trying to prevent influenza B is not easy as the virus can live on for weeks on surfaces such as water taps and door knobs. People living with a patient must wash their hands with soap and water each time before they touch their eyes, nose or mouth. Avoid public restrooms and wear face masks in public places if you have to go out often during an epidemic. The daily intake of vitamin C also offers some protection.
After the illness has been contracted, there is no overall medication. Each of the symptoms are managed and the disease allowed to run its course.